Retroactive Spousal Benefits: Hi Larry, my husband and I will be 66 and FRA this year. My husband will start SS benefits in April at his FRA while I am still working and plan to start SS benefits in 2019. My husband will file for spousal benefit once I file because half of mine is higher than his. If I file for the benefit on my record in June 2019 and take the retro 6 month payment, can my husband switch to spousal benefit retro too? Or would his spousal only start in June 2019? I know this sounds crazy but my intent was to start my benefit and his spousal Jan 2019 so this would not lower our monthly future benefit. I'm just trying to find a way to avoid the tax implications of the 6 month in advance Medicare A enrollment from SS conflicting with my HSA contributions in 2018!

Hi,

Yes, if you file for your retirement benefits in June 2019 and claim 6 months of retroactive benefits, your husband could also file for spousal benefits in the June 2019 and claim 6 months of retroactive spousal benefits. His spousal rate would be equal to 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA) minus his own full retirement age rate. That amount (if positive) would then be paid in addition to his own retirement benefit.

However, that may not be your best plan for claiming benefits. One possibility would be for you to file just for spousal benefits only effective with the month you reach full retirement age and allow your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. You and your husband should strongly consider using our maximization software to compare your options and determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry