Ask Larry

Can I Re-File For Spousal Benefits?

I am 67 and filed for my own social security at 62. My husband is 3 years younger than me and has just filed for his social security at the age of 64. We were both born after 1954. His social security amount is $1750.00 and mine is $987.00, can I re-file for spousal benefits? Would I make any difference in the amount?

Hi. No. Once you start drawing your own Social Security retirement benefits those benefits continue for life. You could apply for an excess spousal benefit to be paid in addition to your own benefit, but it doesn't sound like you'd be eligible. The only way that you'd qualify for an excess spousal benefit would be if your primary insurance amount (PIA) was less than half as much as your husband's PIA, and based on the benefit rates listed in your question it apparently isn't. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Aug 3 2021 - 9:20am
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