Larry, I’m about to file for my social security. I will be 62 years of age in three months. My husband age 65 has been receiving his social security since age 62 filed early because of medical history but he is not disabled.
During my last 2 years of employment my earning were higher than his last year of employment
I have been retired for past 30 months. Which is best option for me to get my maximum benefits? I’m confused if applying for spousal benefits would be an option for me and hold off of applying for my own benefits until age 66 or 70? I’d like to maximize my benefits as best as possible.
Thank you for your time.

Hi,

You couldn't qualify for spousal benefits if your own primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the amount that you would receive on your own Social Security work record if you wait until your full retirement age (FRA) to start drawing, is at least half as much as your husband's PIA. Since you were born after January 1 1954, filing for spousal benefits only and delaying receipt of your own benefits is not an option for you (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

Whenever you start drawing benefits, you'll only be paid essentially the higher of your own benefit rate or your spousal rate. And, if you start drawing benefits at age 62 your benefit amount will be reduced by roughly 27% to 32%. That reduction would continue for at least as long as both you and your husband are living. Before filing, you should strongly consider using our software to explore and compare your options so that you can determine the best possible strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry