If my SS benefits are more than my husbands can he draw 1/2 of my amount in lieu of his ss.

Hi,

The answer depends on when your husband was born. If he was born after January 1 1954, he'll be deemed to have filed for both his own benefits and spousal benefits whenever he files for either, and he'll essentially receive only the higher of the 2 benefits.

If he was born prior to January 2 1954 and waits until he's full retirement age or over to apply, he would have the option of filing for spousal benefits only without also filing for his own benefits. He could then accrue delayed retirement credits on his own account and file for his own benefits at age 70, at which time they would reach their highest rate.

You may wish to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to be sure that you both make the best filing choices.

Best, Jerry