My husband retired from the school system and is receiving a pension. He barely paid into SS so he receives a very nominal payment. I plan on retiring from my job early next year when I am 64. I don't plan on collection SS until I am 70. I am reading about spousal benefits but not quite sure I understand the process. Do I apply but defer and then he can collect spousal benefits?

Hi,

Regardless of when you file, it sounds like your husband likely won't be able to collect spousal benefits due to the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision. Basically, 2/3rds of the amount of his school pension would be subtracted from any spousal benefit he would otherwise qualify for on your record, assuming that his earnings from the school system were exempt from Social Security taxes (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf). In other words, if 2/3rds of his pension is more than his spousal rate, his net benefit would be zero.

You may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore your filing options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry