Larry, thank you for taking my question. My husband is currently 69 years old and collecting full social security benefits. I am 63 years old and will continue to work until full retirement age 66.8 years. Is there a downside to my husband applying for social security spousal benefits? Will this in any way affect my applying for social security benefits when I reach full retirement age? Thank you, Tina

Hi Tina. First of all, your husband could only qualify for spousal benefits if 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than his 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). Furthermore, even if your PIA is more than twice as much as your husband's PIA, he couldn't be paid spousal benefits at least until you start drawing your benefits.

Your husband could apply for spousal benefits at any time, but unless you've already applied for your benefits and your PIA is more than double the amount of his PIA, his application will be disallowed. When and if your husband does qualify for spousal benefits, though, it would have no adverse effect on your benefit amount.

Best, Jerry