Ask Larry

Do I Have To Pay Back My Spousal Benefits When I File For My Own Benefits?

I turn 66 in December and still working. My husband is going to be 62 but is disabled with MS for years. If I file a restricted application and take half of my husband's Social Security, what happens if at say age 68 I want to fully retire and use my earnings instead, what happens at that point? Do I have to pay that money back?

Hi,

No, you wouldn't have to pay back any of the spousal benefits you receive prior to when you start drawing your own retirement benefits. Assuming that your own retirement rate is higher than your spousal rate, you would simply switch from drawing spousal benefits to drawing your own benefits whenever you decide to make the change. You'd be free to file for your retirement benefits at any time, but if you wait until age 70 to start drawing your retirement benefits you'll maximize your monthly benefit rate. That may well be your best alternative, but you should consider using our software to fully explore and compare all of your options.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 26 2019 - 3:52pm
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