I was advised to do this by my financial planner:
1) L begins benefits based on her earnings record in October 2019 (age 62 and 1 month) of $918/month.
2) R begins spousal benefits in October 2019 of $630/month.
3) R switches to benefits based on his earnings record in March 2021 (age 70) of $3,589 per month.
4) L switches to spousal benefits of $993/month in March 2021 (age 63 and 6 months).

When I applied for spousal benefits (4) I (L) was denied. I am applying again. Do you believe I (L) am entitled to spousal benefits? We followed through with 1 thru 4 above.

Thanks!

Hi. You can't switch from collecting your own benefits to collecting just a spousal benefit. The only way that you'd qualify for spousal benefits is if your own primary insurance amount (PIA) is less than 50% of your husband's PIA. If it is, then you could be paid a partial spousal benefit in addition to your own benefit. However, if your PIA is at least as much as 50% of your husband's PIA, then you wouldn't be eligible for spousal benefits. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

For example, say Amy filed for her benefits at age 62. Amy's primary insurance amount (PIA), or full retirement age rate, would be $1,000, but Amy's rate is reduced for age to $750. Five years later, Amy's husband, Bill, files for his benefits when he turns age 70. Bill's PIA is $2,000, but with delayed retirement credits his monthly benefit rate is increased to $2,640. However, even though Bill's monthly rate is more than 3 times as much as Amy's rate (i.e. $2640 vs. $750), Amy isn't eligible for any spousal benefits because Bill's PIA isn't more than twice as much as Amy's PIA. If Amy applied for spousal benefits, her unreduced spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her husband's PIA, which in Amy's case is zero (i.e. $2000/2 - $1000).

Best, Jerry