Hi Larry-I've done some research but am still confused about starting my Social Security benefits. I plan on filing spousal benefits. My husband will file at FTA, but I'm 9 months younger than he is. When he files, can I file spousal benefits and receive 50% of his at his time of filing? Thanks!

Hi,

No. If your husband starts drawing his benefits at full retirement age (FRA), he'll be paid 100% of his primary insurance amount (PIA). If you file for spousal benefits 9 months before you reach FRA, and assuming that you aren't eligible for benefits based on your own earnings, your spousal benefit rate would amount to 6.25% less than 50% of your husband's PIA. In order to get a full 50% of your husband's PIA, and again assuming that you aren't eligible for benefits on your own account, you'd need to wait until your FRA to start drawing spousal benefits.

Before deciding when to apply for benefits, you and your husband should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to analyze your various options so that you can determine the best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry