If my husband(age 67) has been getting a spousal benefit from my social security, let's say, for only a couple months(thinking he would wait until age 70 to get maximum benefit for himself) and circumstances change and we find it would be better for him to file for his own benefit earlier than age 70 can that be done? I guess I am asking: Is there is any penalty for changing the plan so soon after setting up the first? Or: Does the SS office have a "time" limit on a re-file? I hope I am explain this so you understand. Thank you.

Hi,

Yes, your husband would be free to file on his own record at any time. The only 'time limit' involved would be that he could only claim benefits for a maximum of 6 months retroactively from his month of filing. The downside, of course, is that he'll stop accruing delayed retirement credits as soon as he starts drawing benefits on his own record.

Best, Jerry