This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation where my wife is considering delaying her benefits to maximize delayed retirement credits. After reading all these responses, I now understand that I should file for spousal benefits as soon as she files (even if she suspends her payments to continue earning credits), since my spousal benefit won't increase beyond the 50% of her FRA amount regardless. One question I haven't seen addressed - when filing for spousal benefits, does the SSA automatically compare your own retirement benefit to the spousal benefit and give you whichever is higher? Or do you need to specifically request that comparison? I want to make sure I don't accidentally leave money on the table by not asking for the right thing during my appointment. Also, thanks to everyone who mentioned Claimyr - I've been dreading trying to get through to SSA but that sounds like it could save a lot of headaches!

This has been such an informative discussion! I'm dealing with a very similar situation and had the same confusion about delayed retirement credits and spousal benefits. It's really helpful to see it confirmed multiple times that spousal benefits are capped at 50% of the PIA at FRA, regardless of any delayed credits the worker earns. One thing I wanted to add that might be useful - when you have your appointment in March, make sure to ask about the "deemed filing" rules. Since your husband is past his FRA, he should be able to file just for spousal benefits without being forced to also file for his own retirement benefit (if his own benefit is lower). This gives you more flexibility in your claiming strategy. Also, I second what others have said about bringing documentation to your appointment. In addition to the marriage certificate, having recent earnings statements or tax returns can help if there are any questions about work history or current employment status. Good luck with your appointment! It sounds like you're making smart decisions by maximizing those delayed retirement credits while getting the spousal benefits started.

Thank you all for this incredibly helpful information! I've decided to schedule an appointment with SSA to go through my specific numbers before making a decision. Based on your advice, I'll ask about: 1. The exact amount I'd receive at 62 vs. FRA for both my retirement and spousal benefits 2. How the deemed filing would work in my case 3. The long-term impact of taking reduced benefits now vs. waiting It sounds like there's no way to just take spousal and let my own grow (which is what I was hoping for), but I need to understand the exact numbers before deciding. I'll try that Claimyr service to avoid the phone wait nightmare!

Great discussion here! I'm in a similar situation (husband on SSDI, me approaching 62) and wanted to add a few things I learned from my research: 1. You might also want to ask SSA about the "breakeven point" - the age where waiting until FRA would result in more total lifetime benefits than claiming at 62. This usually falls somewhere in your early 80s. 2. Don't forget about Medicare eligibility at 65! If you're not working and don't have other health insurance, you'll need to factor in those costs when deciding whether to claim benefits early. 3. Also consider your state's tax treatment of Social Security benefits - some states don't tax them at all, which could affect your decision. The appointment approach is smart. Make sure to bring your most recent Social Security statement and any documentation of your husband's SSDI payments. Good luck with your decision!

Just wanted to add that if you're married filing jointly, make sure you include BOTH spouses' Social Security benefits when calculating the taxable amount. I made this mistake my first year - I only included my benefits but forgot about my spouse's, which threw off the whole calculation. The IRS worksheet accounts for combined benefits from both spouses, so you'll need both SSA-1099 forms if you're both receiving benefits.

This is such helpful information! I'm in a similar situation as the original poster - just started receiving Social Security benefits and wasn't sure about the tax implications. Reading through all these responses really clarifies things. The key points I'm taking away are: 1) Look for Form SSA-1099 (not W-2), 2) Download it from mySocialSecurity account if you didn't receive it by mail, 3) Only a portion may be taxable depending on your total income, and 4) Use the IRS worksheet or tax software to calculate the exact taxable amount. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is so helpful for navigating these government services!

Based on my experience helping my elderly neighbor through this same process last year, I wanted to share a few practical tips that might help you: First, yes - the SSA should automatically calculate and add your spousal benefit top-up when your husband files at his FRA. You don't need to submit a separate application. However, the key word is "should" - as others have mentioned, there can be delays or oversights. Since you filed at 62, your spousal benefit will be reduced to approximately 32.5% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). With his estimated $3,200 benefit, his PIA is likely around that same amount, so your reduced spousal benefit would be roughly $1,040. Since you're currently getting $1,425, you may not qualify for any additional spousal top-up, or it might be a very small amount. Here's what I'd recommend: Before your husband files, visit your local SSA office together and ask them to run the calculation. They can tell you exactly what to expect so there are no surprises. This way you'll know upfront if you'll get any increase and approximately how much. Also, make sure both of you have MySocialSecurity accounts set up online so you can monitor the changes in real-time once he files. The transparency really helps reduce anxiety about whether the system is working properly! Hope this helps with your planning!

I've been working as a benefits counselor for over 15 years and want to address some confusion I'm seeing in this thread. When your husband files at his FRA, the SSA will automatically review your case for spousal benefits - no separate application needed. However, given your current benefit of $1,425 and your husband's estimated $3,200, you may receive little to no spousal top-up. Here's why: You filed at 62, so your spousal benefit is permanently reduced to about 32.5% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount. If his PIA is around $3,200, your maximum spousal benefit would be approximately $1,040 (32.5% of $3,200). Since you're already receiving $1,425 on your own record, which is higher than $1,040, you likely won't qualify for any spousal top-up at all. This is a common misconception - many people think the spousal benefit is "in addition to" your own benefit, but it's actually the higher of the two amounts. The system pays your own benefit first, then only adds spousal benefits if that amount would be higher. I'd strongly recommend visiting your local SSA office with your husband before he files to get the exact calculation. This will prevent any disappointment and help with your financial planning. The representatives can pull up both records and give you precise numbers.

Thank you all for the incredible advice! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Yes, my wife can claim her own $1,000 benefit now, and later switch to the spousal benefit 2. Important correction: The spousal benefit will be 50% of my Primary Insurance Amount (my FRA benefit), not 50% of my age-70 increased amount 3. When the time comes, she'll need to file form SSA-2 to apply for the spousal benefit 4. We should consider potential IRMAA impacts on Medicare premiums This community has been amazing. I feel much more confident in our plan now, with realistic expectations about the benefit amounts!

Great summary of your learnings! Just wanted to add one more consideration since you mentioned you're still working until 70 - make sure to check if your continued employment might affect any timing considerations. While the earnings test shouldn't impact your wife's benefits since she's past FRA, it's worth confirming that your work income won't create any complications when you do file at 70. Also, since you're planning this strategy 2+ years out, keep an eye on any potential policy changes (though major changes to Social Security typically have long phase-in periods). You've got a solid plan - just stay informed as you get closer to execution!