Ask Larry

If I Started Drawing From My Husband's Social Security At Age 62, Can I Collect Half Of His Amount Now That I'm 78?

I started collecting from my husbands social security at 62 I am 78 and he is 89 can I collect 1/2 now

Hi. No. The percentage reduction that's applied to your benefit rate if you collect benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA) is permanent. The reduction for age doesn't go away when you reach FRA or any subsequent age.

However, if your husband dies before you, your survivor benefit rate will not be reduced for age regardless of the fact that you started collecting spousal benefits at age 62. In the event of his death, you could be paid the higher of your own benefit rate or your husband's full benefit rate.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jul 30 2022 - 10:40pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.