I am turning 65 this Sunday, July 16. I have already acquired medicare Part A and B and a supplemental insurance policy from mututal of Omaha. I have talked with numerous people about whether to start receiving my social security benefits now - or later in a year or two. I am retired now - but never had a career where I have retirement benefits. I am married and my husband is a business lawyer who still works and probably will for another 8-10 years - making on an average of at least $200,000 a year. The continued working depends on his health -which is quite good - but one never knows.
My question is - should I wait till I'm 66-67 to receive my social security benefits -which would probably increase at those ages. Or several have suggested that I should go ahead and receive the benefits now. And another question - I've been told I can receive half of my hubands benefits now. Is that true and will that affect his social security when he decides to receive it. He turns 65 in December. If you need to know my social security number - I can give that info on a secure site if you ask for it. Thank you for your response.

Hi,

You can't receive spousal benefits until your husband starts drawing his benefits, but if you did receive spousal benefits it would have no effect on your husband's benefit rate. If your husband was drawing his benefits, you could file for just spousal benefits only at age 66 while letting your own benefit rate grow until age 70. Or, since your husband was also born prior to January 2 1954 it might be better for you to file on your record in order to allow him to file for spousal benefits only at age 66 (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

Your best strategy depends largely on your and your husband's relative benefit rates. You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best course of action.

Best, Jerry