I will be 65 in Jan. My husband is 84. I had intended to file for spousal at my FRA 66 and let my own SS increase until 70. However my husband was just diagnosed with Stage 4 inoperable cancer. Prognosis is months not years. Can I file for my own SS now and then suspend my benefits when I receive survivors to allow it to increase until 70? Also can I retroactively file for the past 6 months?
Thank you.

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's illness.

The answer to both of your questions is no. Once you file for benefits on your own record, that becomes your primary benefit for life. If you later become eligible for a higher widow's benefit, you would continue to receive your own benefit plus an excess widow's benefit equal to the difference between the 2 benefit rates. And, under the new law passed by Congress last year (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html), you would not even be able to receive an excess widow's benefit while your own benefits are suspended. Regarding your second question, you can't receive retroactive retirement benefits if you file for them prior to full retirement age.

You probably wouldn't want to file for benefits on your own account now unless your husband's benefit amount is higher than the amount you would receive on your own record if you wait until age 70. Otherwise, you would likely be better off sticking to your original plan (i.e. spousal benefits only at FRA, then your own at 70), with the proviso that you could apply sooner for widow's benefits if your husband passes away before you reach full retirement age. You would then be able to switch to your own higher benefit at age 70. You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to help you determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry