Should I file for spousal benefits at 62 (I make less than my spouse)? My husband born 1959 and has not filed yet for SS and is still working.

thanks

Hi. First of all, you can't qualify for spousal benefits unless your spouse is collecting Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Nor could you apply for spousal benefits without also being required to apply for your own benefits at the same time. Only people who were born prior to January 2 1954 are allowed to apply for spousal benefits without being required to apply for their own benefits at the same time.

Since you were apparently born after January 1 1954, whenever you apply for either your own Social Security retirement benefits or for spousal benefits you'll be deemed to be applying for both benefits. And, you could only be eligible for spousal benefits if your own primary insurance amount (PIA) is less than half as much as your husband's PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

The best filing strategy for individuals and couples depends on many different factors. It sounds like you and your husband should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your various options so that you can determine the best overall strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry