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Can I Collect Early On My Spouse's Social Security And Then Switch To My Account At Age 70 1/2?

Can I collect early on Lisa social security and then switch at 70 1/2 to my account and do the same for Lisa she collects at 62 from mine and then switch to hers at 70 1/2

Hi. I assume Lisa is your spouse. The only way that either you or your wife could apply for spousal benefits without also being forced to claim your own benefits at the same time is if you or she were born prior to January 2 1954. Otherwise, whenever either of you applies for spousal benefits or your own benefits you'll be deemed to be applying for both benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/claiming.html).

By the way, you almost certainly wouldn't want to wait past the month you reach age 70 to claim your own benefits. Social Security retirement benefits stop accruing delayed retirement credits (DRC) when you reach age 70, so there is no advantage to waiting past then to claim your own benefits.

It sounds like you and Lisa should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Jan 22 2023 - 5:29pm
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