I will be turning 62 in Nov. I was thinking of collecting my social security at that time. My husband will not retire for 6 more years. my queston is can i start collecting my own at 62 and then in 6 years when he retires swith over to get half of his and not mine?

Hi,

No, you can't switch to drawing only spousal benefits after you've started receiving your own retirement benefits. You could potentially become eligible for additional spousal benefit when your husband files for his benefits, but you would keep receiving reduced retirement benefits if you start drawing them before full retirement age.

For example, say Sally files for her retirement benefits at age 62. Sally's full retirement age rate (PIA) would be $800, but instead she receives a reduced rate of $590 because she filed at age 62. Six years later, Sally's husband files for his benefits with a PIA of $2000. Sally could then file for spousal benefits which would be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her husband's PIA, or $200 in this example (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). This spousal benefit would then be paid in addition to Sally's own reduced retirement benefit to give her a combined rate of $790 (i.e. $590 + $200).

Before filing, you should strongly consider using our maximization software in order to compare all of your filing options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry