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I'm not totally sure on this, but I think there's still a way to get spousal benefits while letting your own grow??? My sister-in-law did something like this just last year. You might want to ask specifically about that at your local SSA office.
With respect, this is incorrect. The restricted application strategy (claiming spousal while letting your own grow) is only available to people born before January 2, 1954. For everyone born after that date, when you file for any benefit, you are deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for, and you'll receive whichever is higher. Your sister-in-law was likely born before that cutoff date, which is why she was able to use that strategy.
Update: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I scheduled a meeting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning for families with disabled dependents. Based on our discussion and your comments, I'm leaning toward working 2 more years past my FRA. The long-term security for my son is the deciding factor - knowing that he'll have a higher benefit available throughout his lifetime if something happens to both my wife and me. The potential tax changes would be nice, but as many of you pointed out, that's not something to bank on.
That sounds like a wise decision! Getting professional advice specific to your situation is always smart. One other thing to consider - if you're still working, you might look into an ABLE account for your son if you haven't already. It allows disabled individuals to save money (up to $16,000/year) without impacting their SSI eligibility. Could be another way to provide security.
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my wife's friend said if you work after getting benefits they can make you pay some back if you earn too much??
That only applies if you're collecting benefits BEFORE your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Once you reach your FRA (66-67 depending on birth year), there's no earnings limit - you can make as much as you want with no penalty or payback. Since the original poster mentioned her husband is 67, he's past his FRA, so no worries about earning too much.
Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I feel much better knowing the money isn't just disappearing. I'll watch for any potential increase around October, though I won't expect much since his current job pays way less than his career. And definitely appreciate the warning about tax implications - we'll talk to our tax person to avoid surprises!
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One more important point: The earnings limit for survivor benefits increases in the year you reach your full retirement age (FRA), and then disappears completely once you hit your FRA. For example, if your FRA is 67, in the year you turn 67, the earnings limit jumps to around $59,520 (for 2025), and they only count earnings before the month you reach FRA. Then after your FRA, you can earn any amount without reduction. Since you're planning to switch to your own benefit at 70, you'll still need to be mindful of the earnings test between 60-67, but after your FRA, you can work as much as you want without any impact on your survivor benefits.
That's great to know about the higher limit in the year I reach FRA. My full retirement age is 67, so I'll need to plan carefully for the years between 60-67. I'm hoping to work part-time during those years anyway, but it's good to know I have more flexibility once I reach FRA.
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just curious did you collect on your own record before switching to your ex's survivor benefits? i heard you can switch back and forth to get the best deal but never understood how that works
You're referring to a strategy where someone could claim one type of benefit and later switch to another. For example, a person could claim a spousal or survivor benefit first, allowing their own retirement benefit to grow until age 70, then switch to their own (now larger) retirement benefit. However, this flexibility was largely eliminated for most people by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, with some exceptions for specific groups. The rules are complex and depend on birthdate and specific circumstances.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I understand much better now. It seems clear that my survivor benefits from my ex-husband will end with me and can't transfer to my new spouse. We'll make sure to look into maximizing my fiancé's benefits when the time comes. I appreciate all of you taking the time to explain this!
Glad we could help clarify things. One additional suggestion - make sure your fiancé understands the eligibility for Social Security disability (SSDI) as well, since he's not yet retirement age. If any health issues arise before he reaches full retirement age, knowing the SSDI process could be beneficial. Wishing you both happiness in your new chapter together!
Nia Harris
I think what you're considering is perfectly rational. The Social Security system has these rules, and planning your life to maximize your benefits is just smart financial planning. My parents divorced after 38 years, and my mom didn't realize until years later that she could claim on my dad's record. She missed out on thousands of dollars because she didn't understand the rules. Being strategic isn't wrong - it's just making informed choices.
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Diego Chavez
•EXACTLY!! The system is DESIGNED with all these weird rules, so why not use them to your advantage? It's not cheating, it's just being smart with the system as it exists. Sorry your mom missed out on those benefits - happens to so many people who don't know their rights!
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AstroAlpha
One important point to add: even if you claim benefits on your first ex-spouse's record, it does NOT reduce their benefits or impact them in any way. Some people worry about this aspect, but your claim has zero effect on what your ex receives. Also, your ex doesn't need to be receiving benefits yet for you to claim on their record, though they must be eligible for benefits (i.e., be at least 62).
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Chloe Davis
•That's really helpful to know. I was actually concerned about whether this would impact my first ex's benefits. We're on decent terms and I wouldn't want to do anything that reduced what they're entitled to receive.
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