Larry, thanks to you and your staff for all your invaluable advice.

My question is for a friend. She turned 62 in April and does not plan to draw Social Security until age 70. Her husband is 70 and began drawing his SS at age 62.
I've read your book, but want to be sure I understand the changes made during the Obama administration; I like to make sure I am giving her the correct information.
Can my friend currently file on her husband's record and receive half of his SS without triggering payment on her record rather than his?
Am I correct that anyone born after 1957 can draw on their spouse's record (as long as the spouse has filed and is receiving benefits) and get half of said spouse's benefit without drawing on their own record until FRA or later up to age 70?
My friend is concerned about double-dipping from her husband's account, however I explained that had he waited, her widow's benefit would have been the full amount of his SS at 70. Instead, it will be limited to his current benefit. It seems to me this approach allows her to receive some of what he left on the table.

Hi,

No. Since your friend was born after January 1 1954, she could never claim just spousal benefits without also claiming her own retirement benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html). Even people who were born prior to January 2 1954 can't file just for spousal benefits prior to their full retirement age (FRA) without also being deemed to also file for their own benefits.

So, no, you're not correct about the filing options of people born after 1957. However, if your friend is waiting until age 70 to file for her own benefits and her husband dies, then she could potentially file for widow's benefits while still allowing her own benefit rate to grow until age 70. Deeming doesn't apply to survivor benefits like it does to spousal and retirement benefits.

Your friend may want consider using our software to explore and compare her filing options in order to make sure she understands the best strategy for claiming her benefits.

Best, Jerry