Hello - I am almost 59 and my husband almost 65. I am the higher income earner. Can my husband start his own SS benefits at his FRA and then when I start my own SS benefits in roughly 7-8 years, can he switch to the spousal benefit as half of mine at that time will be more than what he gets on his own? Thank you!

Hi,

Your husband couldn't switch to spousal benefits after filing on his own record, but he could potentially receive an excess spousal benefit when you start drawing. In order for him to qualify for an excess spousal benefit, you would have to be drawing your benefits and your full retirement age rate (PIA) would have to be more than twice as much as your husband's PIA.

Here's an example: Say John starts drawing his retirement benefits at full retirement age and his full retirement age rate (PIA) is $1000. John's wife's PIA is $2400, so when she subsequently starts drawing her benefits John could get an excess spousal benefit of $200 (i.e. $2400/2 - $1000), making his combined benefit rate $1200 (i.e. $1000 + $200).

You and your husband should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to determine your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry