Hello Larry,
I've recently called my local Social Security office to ask about clarifying what I assumed to be true about spousal benefits. From what I've seen online (restricted application), I would not be eligible to receive 1/2 my husbands social security benefits and let my own benefits grow (I was born 2/56). Although, when I called my local SS office they said I could in fact do this, and that it was "something else" that changed. I can't believe they wouldn't know about restricted application at the SS office....so am I missing something? Our scenario: My husband started receiving SS benefits ($1400) at full retirement age. I am 64. and my estimated benefits at FRA are about $1000. Is it possible for me to maximize my benefit in any way, and still have some money coming in before age 70?
Thank you,
Robin
Hi Robin,
No, you aren't misunderstanding the rules, and no, you could never file just for spousal benefits while letting your own Social Security retirement benefit rate grow.
No one born after January 1 1954 is permitted to file just for spousal or divorced spousal benefits on the Social Security record of a living spouse without also being deemed to be filing for their own Social Security retirement benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). Therefore, you would never be able to file a restricted application for just spousal benefits only. If a Social Security employee told you otherwise, then you were misinformed.
If your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is equal to your own Social Security retirement benefit rate if you start drawing at full retirement age (FRA), is more than 50% of your husband's PIA then you won't qualify for any spousal benefits. At least, that is, for as long as your husband is living. If your husband dies before you and you are at least FRA, though, you would be eligible for the higher of your own benefit rate or your husband's rate.
You may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to compare your filing options so that you can make the best possible decision about when to file for your benefits.
Best, Jerry
