Ask Larry

Should I Collect My Retirement Benefit Early And Then Take My Excess Spousal Benefit?

Hi Larry,

I am 62 years old and my ex husband is 59. He was the more substantial wage earner. Does it make sense for me to draw my SS until he is of retirement age and then switch to his? Do I get to keep both?

Best, Suzanne

Dear Suzanne,

This is a good question. Given your ages and the new law, it may be best, depending on your own and your husband's earnings records for you to take your own retirement benefit early, i.e., right now at 62, and have him take his retirement benefit at 70. At that point you'd also claim your excess spousal benefit assuming it's positive.

The only way to know what's best is to run your situation through our company's $40 Maximize My Social Security program or use another commercial program that you trust. Social Security has no software to help you with this question and given their track record in answering questions, well, I'd use our software!

My best, Larry

Posted: 
Sep 17 2016 - 3:00pm
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.