Can I claim ex-spouse Social Security at 62 then switch to my own benefits at FRA or 70?

This is a great question about maximizing your benefits! The strategy you're describing (starting with ex-spousal benefits then switching to your own higher benefit) was eliminated for most people by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. Now when you file at any age, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for - both your own and any spousal/ex-spousal benefits. SSA pays you whichever amount is higher, but not both. However, there's an exception: if you were born before January 2, 1954, you can still use this strategy (file a restricted application for just spousal benefits at FRA, then switch to your own later). Based on your age (59), you were born after that cutoff date, so unfortunately, this option isn't available to you.

I tried to do EXACTLY this last year and the SSA rep told me NO WAY! Said those rules changed years ago and they don't let you pick and choose anymore. Super frustrating because my neighbor swore she did this, but turns out she's much older and was grandfathered in under the old rules. The whole system is designed to confuse us!!!

Your ex's SSDI won't automatically convert to retirement benefits at 62. SSDI continues until Full Retirement Age (FRA), then it automatically converts to regular retirement benefits at the same amount. This conversion is just administrative - the payment amount stays the same. As for your main question, I'm sorry to say the 'file and switch' strategy was eliminated for people born after 1953. Your choice now is: 1) File early at 62 for reduced benefits (either your own or ex-spousal, whichever is higher) 2) Wait until your FRA for full benefits 3) Wait until 70 for maximum benefits (but only your own benefit grows after FRA, not ex-spousal) If your ex's benefit amount is higher than yours would be at 70, then claiming at 62 might make sense. If your benefit at 70 would be higher, waiting might be better.

I've been through exactly this (filed for ex spouse benefits). You need to create an account on SSA.gov and view your estimated benefits. Then compare to what you'd get from your ex's record (generally 50% of their FRA benefit). Without those numbers, it's impossible to say which strategy is best for you.

Have you tried calling SSA directly? I had to wait on hold for THREE HOURS last month when I had questions about my widower benefits! Finally gave up and tried again the next day. Their phone system is completely broken!!

my brother in law waited til 70 to get his ss and gets waaaaay more now, like almost double what he would have at 62! but his ex wife took hers early and regrets it big time. just something to think about!

To answer your follow-up question - yes, you need to contact SSA directly to get an estimate of what your ex-spouse benefit would be. They don't show this on your online account. When you make your decision, remember: 1) Your own benefit grows by approximately 8% per year between FRA and 70 (called delayed retirement credits) 2) Ex-spousal benefits do NOT grow after your FRA - there's no advantage to waiting past your FRA for those 3) If you claim any benefits before your FRA, they'll be permanently reduced If your own benefit at 70 would be significantly higher than the ex-spousal benefit, and you can afford to wait, that might be your best financial move long-term.

ALSO don't forget about the earnings limits if you're still working!! My sister got SHOCKED with a huge overpayment notice because she claimed at 62 but was still working part-time. They took back almost $5000 because she earned too much! The limit is super low if you claim before FRA.

I'm in a similar situation and went through this research last year. One thing that helped me was using the SSA's online calculators to model different scenarios. You can estimate your benefits at different claiming ages on ssa.gov, which gives you a baseline to compare against the ex-spouse benefit once you get that information from SSA. Also, don't overlook the impact of Medicare timing if you're considering working past 65. If you delay Social Security until 70 but need Medicare at 65, you'll need to enroll in Medicare Part A (which is free) but can delay Part B if you have qualifying employer coverage. This gets complicated fast, so factor healthcare costs into your decision timeline. The "break-even" analysis is crucial here - calculate at what age the higher lifetime benefit from waiting until 70 would outweigh the years of missed payments from claiming earlier. For many people, it's somewhere in their early 80s, but everyone's situation is different.

One more thing to consider - if your ex-spouse is currently receiving SSDI, you might want to confirm his exact birth date and when his benefits will convert to retirement benefits. The timing could affect your planning since you mentioned he's 5 years older. Also, keep in mind that if he files for early retirement benefits before his FRA (which he can't do while on SSDI, but just for future reference), it could potentially reduce the spousal benefit calculation. Since his SSDI will convert automatically at his FRA without reduction, this shouldn't be an issue in your case, but it's worth understanding how these interactions work when you speak with SSA about your benefit estimates.