I began drawing my social security at 63 two months ago My husband plans on working until 70. Can I draw half of his benefits when he begins recieving benefits. If not when he dies can I draw all of his benefits should he die before me

Hi,

What you can potentially get when your husband starts drawing his benefits is the difference between half of his full retirement age rate (PIA) and your own PIA, assuming the former is higher than the latter and you are at least full retirement age (FRA) at that time. That amount would then be paid in addition to the reduced retirement benefit you are already receiving on your own record.

For example, say Mary has a PIA of $800, but she starts drawing reduced benefits at age 63 and receives $640. After Mary reaches full retirement age, her husband files for his benefits with a PIA of $2000. Mary would then be eligible for a spousal benefit of $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800) which would be added to her reduced retirement benefit of $640 to give her a combined benefit rate of $840. If Mary had become entitled to the spousal benefit before FRA, her spousal rate would also have been reduced for age.

If your husband dies before you and after you reach full retirement age, then you could be eligible for a combined benefit rate equal to his full rate inclusive of any delayed retirement credits he earns by waiting past FRA to start drawing his benefits. You and your husband may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore all of your filing options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry