I am confused about spousal benefits. My husband filed for social security at age 65 last summer. I will turn 66 in October of 2017, and we have been married for 44 years. Am I able to collect spousal benefits after I reach my full retirement date up to the date I turn 70? Does it matter if I still work full time?

Hi,

Yes, since you were born prior to January 2 1954, you can file for spousal benefits only at age 66 and let your own benefit rate grow until age 70. And, you could draw the spousal benefits regardless of how much you earn. This is likely your best filing strategy, but you may want to run the maximization software available on this website in order to be sure.

Although your earnings after you reach age 66 would not affect your spousal benefits, they may increase the rate that you could receive on your own record at age 70. The maximization software can help you determine that as well.

Best, Jerry