Hi Larry:
I'm 67 receiving SS. My husband is 63 still working his FRA is at 66 born after January 1st, 1954. Can my husband apply for half of mine at his FRA and stay working until 70 then suspend and file for his. What other options are available ? Thanks.

Hi,

No. Since your husband was born after January 1 1954, he'll be deemed to be filing for both his own retirement benefits and spousal benefits whenever he files for either one. And, he'll just receive essentially the higher of the 2 benefit rates, which would be reduced for age if he files before full retirement age (FRA).

As far as other options, your husband could file for benefits any time between now and age 70. And, when he files you could potentially file for additional spousal benefits if 50% of his full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your PIA. Which filing option is best depends of your relative benefit rates as well as a number of other factors such as personal preferences. Your husband may want to strongly consider using our maximization software to compare his options in order to determine his optimal filing strategy.

Best, Jerry