If my spouse who's 5 years older than me takes his benefit now at age 68 can he switch to my substantially higher benefit when I file? If my spouse files now does the means test include my earnings since we file a joint return? My spouse is retired so he has minimal income. Can I collect a spousal benefit three years from now when I turn 66 and defer my benefit (so it grows) until I'm 70? I think I can since I was 62 in 2015 but want to make sure. What's the best strategy to maximize what we collect? I'm worried if my husband files now he'll be locked into his lower rate. Thanks, Marcia

Marcia, your spouse can't switch to your benefit. He can file for his spousal benefit once you've filed for your retirement benefit, which is based on your record but doesn't affect your benefit amount. His spousal benefit would 50% of your retirement benefit at your full retirement age (FRA). If he's filed for both his retirement benefit and his spousal benefit, he'll receive the larger of the two. The Earnings Test — which is not a means test — is applied before your FRA. Your earnings will not affect his retirement benefit since that's based on his record. It could affect his spousal benefit as well as your retirement benefit or your spousal benefit. If you were born on or before January 1 1954, you can file just for your spousal benefit at your FRA. Our software will determine your maximized strategy that will yield the highest lifetime household benefits. Thanks, John