I just turned 63 and wife just turned 62. My wife has worked most of 40 years. After a 25 year career, SSA declared me disabled 16 years ago and continues to pay me a disability pension. (At age 66, I know its name will change to a full retirement benefit.) We also know my wife's FRB will be less than mine (with reasonable inflation assumptions). Given the recent SSA rule changes and the fact that I've already been receiving a benefit, I know our options are limited.

I am retired, turning 62 next week and my husband passed away in 2009 at age 55. I didn't work as long or make as much as my late husband so my benefits are considerably less than his so I wondered if I can collect my benefits now at a reduced rate and then switch to his at full retirement age so I can collect some of what I paid in and not reduce what I will receive from his?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I am 74 and drawing social security. My wife turns 62, Jan, 2017. My wife has worked in the past and is eligible for social security payments based on that past work experience. Can she draw her own social security at her 62nd birthday or is she penalized because I am drawing mine. Thank you.

Hi,

If I file now at FRA 66, can my husband also claim spousal benefits on my work record without being "deemed filing" ? He wants to keep delayed retirement credits for 2 years til 70 in 2018, as the higher earner.

Hi,

I have scanned through the Ask Larry topics and have read your updated Get What's Yours. I still am confused as to what start date I should use on my application so as not to incur a reduction in my benefit or my husband's spousal benefit; my actual birthday or the beginning of the next month. I turn 66 on 4/20/17 and want to begin my benefit. My husband (older) will then restrict his application to spousal until he files at 70.

Hi,

My husband is 68, filed for social security at 62 and is receiving benefits. I was born in 1951, will be 66 in May of 2017, am working and plan to work for 2 more years. Can I file for spousal benefits once I turn 66 this May and put my benefit on hold until I retire in 2 more years? What is the correct language for this process and can I do it online, and if so what is the link. My benefit will be much larger than my husbands.

Hi,

Can my wife start collecting SS at 62 based upon her own benefit and then later take the higher spousal benefit when I apply for SS at FRA - about 3 years later?

Hi,

Potentially, yes, but she'll keep the reduction that she took on her own account for filing early.

My wife is 63 and I am 61. We both work and have SS benefits. She was 63 as of Jan 1st 2016 so we believe that she can still opt to take a spouse benefit at age 66 (her FRA) and delay taking her own benefit letting it grow. I will be 62 at that time and taking early SS benefits before she files. Since she is FRA I believe that she will be entitled to half of my FRA benefits even though I am taking benefits early. Does this assessment sound correct?

Hi,

Husband 63 yesterday. I turned 62 in Nov. Fortunate that both could take early retirement effective 1/1/2012 from our jobs. Hoping husband will claim at 66, but he too is thinking of claiming early. I was tempted to claim in Nov when I turned 62, but held off. I understand best for husband to wait as long as possible for claiming SS (higher SS check for him and widow benefit for me if he passes away). I am not clear why it's important for me (wife and lower earner) to not claim at age 62.

My husband is 67 and suspended his SS benefits when he was 66. I am 64.5 and want to know if I file for spousal benefits before 66, will I still be able to collect the maximum amount based on my own earnings when I am 70?

Hi,

No, you can't. If you file for spousal benefits before age 66, you'll also be forced to file for retirement benefits on your own record. You would then only receive essentially the higher of the 2 benefits, and your benefit rate will be permanently reduced.