My husband is 67 and suspended his SS benefits when he was 66. I am 64.5 and want to know if I file for spousal benefits before 66, will I still be able to collect the maximum amount based on my own earnings when I am 70?

Hi,

No, you can't. If you file for spousal benefits before age 66, you'll also be forced to file for retirement benefits on your own record. You would then only receive essentially the higher of the 2 benefits, and your benefit rate will be permanently reduced.

You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to help you determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry