I recently retired from my job at a not for profit (aka not large salary) job. I'll be 65 in December FRA benefits would have been $1,118 IF I were still earning last salary. My husband still working for now plans on delaying receiving benefits until 70. (His current benefit at age 65 would be $2,200). His family has a history of long life, mine is quite the opposite. I'm considering taking my benefits at my 65th birthday since I'm no longer contributing. What is your opinion? Many thanks

Hi,

Based on your stated circumstances, I certainly wouldn't try to talk you out of it. Another potential upside to you drawing early is that it would permit your husband to file for spousal benefits only when he reaches full retirement age, assuming that he was born prior to January 2 1954. In that case, he could draw a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your full retirement age benefit for 4 years, then switch to his own record at age 70.

There are many possibilities in your case, so you may wish to run the maximization software available on this website before you file for benefits. That will permit you to compare the various filing strategies, and determine which one is best for you and your husband.

Best, Jerry