Hello,
I was born 11/1/53 and my husband born 6/1/51. He is earning DRC since last June 2017. In 11/19 when I am 66 I will restrict my app to spousal only and my husband will start collecting his benefit at the same time. If my FRA at 66 is a little more than 1/2 of my husband's FRA that I will be entitled to, can I still take 1/2 of his and let mine earn DRC till I am 70. Thank you.

Hi,

Yes, since you were born prior to January 2 1954 you could file just for spousal benefits only at your full retirement age (FRA) regardless of how much your own retirement benefit rate would be. That wouldn't be true if you also filed for your own benefits, though. Also, your husband would have to be drawing his benefits in order for you to receive spousal benefits. Oh, and by the way since you were born on November 1st Social Security will consider you to reach your FRA effective with the month of October 2019 (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300615015).

However, since your husband is apparently the higher earner you may want to consider an alternate strategy. For example, one option would be for you to file for your benefits at FRA and have your husband then file for spousal benefits on your record (assuming that he hasn't filed for his own benefits). Then when he turns age 70, your husband could file for his benefits at which point they'd be at their highest possible rate. That strategy would also provide you with your highest possible widow's rate should your husband die before you. You and your husband should strongly consider using our maximization software before you file in order to compare all of your various options and determine your optimal strategy.

Best, Jerry