After not having worked for 20 years, I began drawing my social security benefits at age 62 while my husband began his benefits at FRA. I unexpectedly went back to work at age 64. My husband is also still working. I will be 67 in August. He is 68. May I now file for spousal benefits at this point? I would double my benefit if I were to receive 1/2 of his. Or is there a better scenario for us? Also, are spousal benefits calculated on your benefit before medicare insurance is deducted, or after?

Thanks!!

Hi,

You can apply for spousal benefits, but you'll only be eligible if 50% of your husband's full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your own PIA. And, if you apply for spousal benefits before full retirement age (FRA) your spousal rate would be reduced for age and could be fully or partially withheld if you earn too much due to Social Security's earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html).

All Social Security benefits are calculated before any withholdings are applied. So, to determine if you qualify for spousal benefits your full retirement age rate (PIA) prior to any deductions or withholdings would be compared to 50% of your husband's PIA before any deductions or withholdings.

By the way, the only way that you could have filed for your own benefits at age 62 and not be deemed to have also applied for spousal benefits is if you became entitled to your benefits before your husband became entitled to his benefits, and if you were born prior to January 2 1954. If that's true in your case you would have the option of waiting until FRA to file for unreduced spousal benefits. You may want to consider using our maximization software to explore and compare your options in order to determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry