I am turning 62 in Feb and plan on collecting SS. It's not much, $871 per month. My husband will only be 60 in Feb. Can I also draw spousal SS?
THANKS,
Katy

Hi Katy,

You couldn't draw spousal benefits at least until your husband starts drawing his benefits. And, even then, you'll only qualify for spousal benefits in addition to your own benefits if 50% of your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than your own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing at full retirement age (FRA). Furthermore, if you do qualify for a spousal benefit and if your husband files before you reach FRA, your spousal rate will also be reduced for age.

For example, say Dana files for her Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. Dana's PIA is $1223, but her benefit rate is reduced to $871 in return for starting her benefits early. Two years later when Dana is age 64, her husband files for his benefits with a PIA of $2600. Dana's unreduced spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her husband's PIA, which in Dana's case is $77 (i.e. $2600/2 - $1223). However, since Dana is only 64 when she first qualifies for her spousal benefits her spousal rate would be reduced to $58. That amount would then be paid in addition to Dana's own reduced benefit of $871 to give her a combined benefit amount of $929.

You and your husband may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully explore all of your various options so that you can determine the best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry