I am 68 and my girlfriend is 66. I don't intend to file for social security benefits until I am 70. We intend to marry at that time. Her benefit now would be around $1,586 and my benefit at 70 will be close to $3,400. The question is, can she file for her benefit now and then when we marry, would she be able to switch and get 50% of my benefit?

Hi,

Your girlfriend could file for her own benefits now and then file for spousal benefits later, but she couldn't get 50% of your full age 70 rate as a spouse. The most she could be eligible for is 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the amount that you'd be drawing if you had started drawing your benefits at full retirement age (FRA). However, if she's already drawing her own benefits, then the most that she could be paid is the higher of her own benefit rate or 50% of your PIA.

Also, a spouse normally can't qualify for spousal benefits until they've been married for at least a year, although there are exceptions as noted in the following section of Social Security's handbook: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305.html.

It sounds like you and your girlfriend 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 your benefits.

Best, Jerry