My husband [Mar 1951 - age 66] wants to retire about one month after he receives his first ss check. He is going to apply any day now. He has not applied yet, but it seems there is so much information out there, it is complicated. At age 58, I [spouse] have a ways to go and my income is very small. He cannot tolerate his job much longer as the management at his job has changed and it has become unbearable so waiting till age 70 is not an option. I am not sure he realizes the actual cut in finances we will encounter. He is retired military [1969-92] He is divorced and his ex [bd May 1954] makes good income. Is there other options for us to consider? Not sure what this "born before Jan 1954" ruling is about or if it can apply to our benefit. This is a fantastic website!!!

Hi,

It sounds like your husband's filing options will likely be limited to his own record. He can't qualify for benefits on his living ex-spouse's record because he is remarried, and he couldn't qualify for spousal benefits on your record unless you were drawing retirement or disability benefits.

The potential importance of being born prior to January 2 1954 is that you then have the option to file for spousal or divorced spousal benefits at full retirement age while letting your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. That plan won't work in your husband's case, though, for the reasons mentioned above.

Your husband's benefit rate will increase by 2/3rds of 1% for each month that he delays taking his benefits between now and age 70. And, that higher rate can also potentially be paid to you in the future as his widow if he dies before you. Your husband may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore his filing options and determine his best strategy.

Best, Jerry