Larry, I am 62 and still working part time. My husband is 73 and has been drawing SS since age 62. I believe that my own social security payment amount would be higher than his. Can I draw on his benefits now (spousal benefits) and then claim my own benefits at 65? I was confused by SS website because it sounds like if my benefits are higher than my husband's, they would pay that amount and not let me claim spousal benefits. I hope you can help me. Thanks so

Hi,

No. No one born after January 1 1954 is allowed to file for spousal benefits while their spouse is living without also being required to file for their own benefits at the same time. So, when you file for either your own benefits or spousal benefits you can only qualify for essentially the higher of the two benefit rates, and your benefit rate will be reduced if you start drawing prior to your full retirement age (FRA).

Even if you were born prior to January 2 1954, however, you couldn't file for spousal benefits at age 62 and then claim your own benefits later. People born prior to January 2 1954 can only claim just spousal benefits without also being deemed to be filing for their own benefits is they file for the spousal benefits at FRA or later.

You may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing benefits.

Best, Jerry