Hi!! My husband will be 66 and considering taking social security this August. I am 48- and will have my own benefit when I retire- but if I retire early do I have access to any social security from my husband's benefit? Any advice you have? Thanks so much!

Hi,

When you reach full retirement age (FRA), you would be eligible for the higher of your own rate or 50% of your husband's full retirement age rate (PIA). You could start drawing reduced benefits as early as age 62, but your own rate would then be reduced by roughly 30%, and your spousal benefits (if any) would be reduced by about 35%. You wouldn't be able to file for either retirement benefits on your own record or spousal benefits without being deemed to file for both (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

If possible, your husband should probably consider waiting until age 70 to start drawing his benefits. That would not only increase his monthly benefit rate by 32%, but would also increase your potential widow's benefit by the same amount should he die before you. You and your husband may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore all of your filing options and determine the best strategy.

Best, Jerry