Full retirement age for both my husband any me is 67. We both started collecting SS last year at that age. My husband's SS amount is less than half of what I receive (I collect $2000, he collects $800). Is he eligible to collect half of my amount ($1000)? If so, when would that start if we went to SS to make the change? Would he have to stop collecting now and wait until age 70 for the higher rate? Thank You!

Hi,

If you and your husband were born in any year from 1943 through 1954, then your full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits is 66, not 67. So, if you both filed last year at age 67 you would be receiving more than your full retirement age rate (PIA).

Unless your husband receives a non-covered government pension (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf), it sounds like he would probably be eligible for the higher of his own retirement benefit rate or 50% of your PIA. And, if 50% of your PIA is higher than his own benefit rate, he would almost certainly want to claim spousal benefits as soon as possible. If he's currently age 67 or older, your husband could potentially claim spousal benefits for up to 6 months prior to the month he applies for them, but no earlier than the month that you became entitled to your benefits.

Best, Jerry