Can I claim ex-spouse's Social Security at FRA then switch to my own at 70?

Yes, you can absolutely do this if you were born before January 2, 1954. This is called a restricted application for spousal benefits only. If born after that date, the new rules don't allow this strategy anymore - you'll be deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for at once. When were you born?

my sister tryed this and they told her no. i think that loophole got closed a few years back. sumthing about being born before a certain date

Unfortunately, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 eliminated the restricted application strategy for most people. You must have been born before January 2, 1954 to use it. If you were born in 1959, you'll be subject to deemed filing, which means when you file for any benefit, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for, and you'll receive whichever is higher. At this point, your options are: 1. Take ex-spousal benefits at your FRA (67 and 2 months) if they're higher than your own at that point 2. Take your own benefits at your FRA if they're higher than ex-spousal 3. Wait until 70 to maximize your own benefit if your own benefit would be higher than ex-spousal But you can't take ex-spousal first and then switch to your own later. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

The SSA is ALWAYS changing the rules to take away strategies that benefit us!! First they took away file and suspend and now this. By the time I retire they'll probably make us wait until we're 80!!! 😡

To answer your follow-up question - if your own benefit at 70 would be higher than the ex-spousal benefit, then waiting makes mathematical sense IF you live long enough. The break-even point is usually around age 82-83. If your ex-spousal benefit at your FRA would be higher than your own benefit at your FRA, but lower than your own at 70, you need to calculate: 1. How much ex-spousal money you'd collect between FRA and 70 2. How long it would take your higher age-70 benefit to make up that difference It's a longevity gamble. If you have good health and family history of longevity, waiting to 70 often pays off in the long run.

I tryed to do something like this last year and it was a NIGHTMARE getting through to SS on the phone. Took me 8 days of calling to finally reach a real person who could answer my questions.

My sister got her exs benefit but she was born in 1953 so I guess thats why it worked for her?? these rules are so confusing lol

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I called SSA yesterday (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - definitely worked!) and they confirmed what you all said. Since I was born after 1954, I can't do the restricted application strategy. The agent ran the numbers and said my own benefit at 70 would be about $3,450 while the spousal benefit would be around $2,200 at my FRA. So waiting makes sense for me if I can manage financially until then. Really appreciate all the advice!

Yes, they said my own benefit at FRA would be about $2,650. So the ex-spousal benefit would be less than my own even at FRA. And waiting until 70 gives me an extra $800/month for potentially decades. Since I'm still working part-time and have some savings, I think I can make it work financially until 70.