Larry or Jerry, I am 52, my husband is 62. I have mostly retired (at age 45). I work occasionally. Some years I add to my high 35, but only because it fills the place of summer jobs in high school. My husband is also mostly retired and makes a minimal amount of money. My estimated benefits are just a little bit lower than my husbands, but could possibly equal his if I work several more years. My thought was to have my husband wait until 70 to collect his social security, collect my spousal benefit at age 62, switch to my retirement at 67 (FRA) then collect survivor benefit upon his death. Is this possible and does it make the most sense? FYI: based on my family history and health, I could likely live to 95 or 100. He would be lucky to make it to 80. Thanks in advance!

Hi,

No. Since you were born after January 1 1954, you couldn't file for spousal benefits at any age without also being deemed to file for retirement benefits on your own record (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). You would have other options in the event of your husband's death, though, and if he waits until age 70 to start drawing his benefits it could potentially provide you with a higher widow's benefit rate.

You and your husband may want to consider using our maximization software to explore your filing options and determine your best overall strategy.

Best, Jerry