Can I claim Social Security spousal benefits at 62 if my husband hasn't filed for his benefits yet?

Unfortunately, no. You can't receive spousal benefits until your husband actually files for his retirement benefits. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Social Security. If you file at 62 for your own benefits, you'll get the reduced $850. Then once your husband files at his FRA, you can get the spousal top-up, but it will also be permanently reduced because you filed early for your own benefit. The total would be less than 50% of his PIA (primary insurance amount). On the other hand, if you wait until your own FRA to file, you could get the full 50% of his PIA as a spousal benefit once he files.

Hate to break it to you but the system is DESIGNED to be confusing!!! This is exactly the kind of thing SSA doesn't explain properly. I went through something similar with my wife. You absolutely CANNOT get spousal benefits until your husband files - that's just how they trap people. And when you do file early, they permanently reduce BOTH benefits! The whole system is rigged against women who took time off to raise kids. INFURIATING.

my sister had the same thing last year, she needed to start taking benefits but husband wanted to wait. she just took her own at 62, it was small but better than nothing. shes gonna get the extra spousal money when her husband finally files next year. something is better than nothing right?

Have you looked into your husband filing and suspending? Wait, I think they got rid of that option a few years ago... but maybe there's some exception? I'm pretty sure there used to be a way for him to file so you could get spousal benefits, but then he could still delay his own benefit to let it grow. But I think they changed those rules in 2015 or 2016?

Just wanted to say I'm in the EXACT same boat! 62 next month, husband is 64 and waiting. So frustrating that we can't get anything until they decide to file. Did you ever find out if there's some special form to fill out or something that lets us get around this rule?

One approach worth considering: You could file for your reduced benefit now ($850) to get some income flowing, and when your husband files at his FRA in a couple of years, you'll automatically be eligible for the spousal top-up (though reduced because you filed early). Alternatively, if you can manage financially, waiting until your own FRA would give you the full 50% of his PIA as a spousal benefit once he files. This would be significantly more over your lifetime if you have average or above-average longevity. Have you calculated the exact difference between these two approaches? The break-even point is usually around age 78-82 depending on your specific situation.

I'd recommend using the calculators on SSA.gov for your basic benefit amounts, then you can use spreadsheet software to compare different filing strategies. If you take your $850 at 62, then when your husband files at his FRA, your spousal top-up would be based on the difference between your PIA (not your reduced benefit) and 50% of his PIA, but that difference would be reduced because you filed early. It's complicated to calculate without knowing your exact PIA (unreduced benefit) and your husband's PIA. The SSA can provide these specific numbers if you call them.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I'm going to go ahead and file for my own benefit next month since I really do need the income, even though it means a permanent reduction. When my husband files at his FRA, I'll get whatever spousal top-up I'm entitled to at that point. I wish there was a better option, but it seems like this is just how the system works. I appreciate all the explanations - the SSA website makes it seem much simpler than it actually is!

my aunt did that and shes happy with her choice. the money now was more important to her than maybe getting more later. nobody knows how long we got anyway right?

Wait I'm still confused about one thing - if she takes her own benefit now at 62 ($850) and then her husband files at his FRA when she's 64, will her spousal benefit be based on her being 62 or 64? Does she get penalized based on when she first filed for ANY benefit or based on her age when she becomes eligible for spousal?