Ask Larry

Can I Collect Spouse's Benefits Without Affecting My Husband's Benefit?

I am going to take early benefits @62, my husband { he doesn't plan on retiring till 66 whom is currently 63} can I collect spousal benefits from his account without effecting his full retirement amount and then when I do hit 66 open my own acct?

Connie,
You can file for your spouse's benefit when your husband files for his retirement benefit, this will not affect his benefit. If you've already filed for your retirement benefit at age 62, then you can't refile at age 66. If you file for your spouse's benefit before your full retirement age, then you will be deemed by law to have filed for both your retirement and spouse's benefit at that time.
Best,
Mike

Category: 
Posted: 
Jul 13 2016 - 2:15pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.