Can I claim half of my husband's Social Security at 62 then switch to my own benefit at 70?

Unfortunately, that strategy is no longer available for people born after January 1, 1954. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 eliminated the "restricted application" that allowed what you're describing. When you file now at 62, you'll be deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for - both your own and spousal. They'll basically give you whichever is higher, but you can't switch later. If you wait until 70, your own benefit will grow (by about 8% per year after FRA), but you'd miss out on any benefits between 62-70.

My sister tried to do the same thing last year and hit a brick wall with SSA. They told her that law changed years ago. Now when u apply they give you the highest benefit ur eligible for, either yours or spousal, but you dont get both and cant switch later.

The previous responses are correct. What you're asking about was called a "restricted application for spousal benefits only" and it's no longer available to anyone born after January 1, 1954. Here's what you CAN do: 1. File at 62 for both benefits - you'll get the higher of your reduced retirement or reduced spousal benefit 2. Wait until your FRA (probably 67) and get full spousal or your full retirement benefit 3. Wait until 70 for your own benefit to maximize it (spousal doesn't grow after FRA) The best strategy depends on your earnings record compared to your husband's, your health, and financial needs. If your own benefit at 70 would be significantly higher than the spousal benefit, and you don't need the income now, waiting could be best.

Dealing with the same thing with my hubby. We're both 63 and trying to figure out the best time to file. It's so confusing when the rules keep changing!

When I was trying to figure this out last year, I kept getting disconnected when calling SSA too! So frustrating. I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent within 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with explained I couldn't do the restricted application either (born in 1956), but she was really helpful explaining my other options. Might be worth trying since getting accurate information from SSA directly is important for making these decisions.

One thing nobody's mentioned - if you're still working at 62 and collect ANY Social Security, be careful about the earnings limit! In 2025, if you earn more than $22,750 before your FRA, they reduce your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. That could really cut into whatever spousal benefit you'd get anyway. Honestly, if your own benefit at 70 would be significantly higher than the spousal benefit, and you don't absolutely need the money now, waiting makes mathematical sense in most cases, especially if you're in good health and have family longevity.

Why is SS so COMPLICATED??!!! Every time I think I understand something, there's some rule I never heard of. And try getting a straight answer from the SS office - impossible! The whole system needs to be simplified so regular people can understand it without needing a financial advisor!

To follow up on my earlier comment - since you mentioned your own benefit at 70 would be "quite a bit higher" than half of your husband's benefit, it may be worth calculating exact numbers. Your benefit at 70 would be 132% of your FRA amount (if your FRA is 67). So if your FRA benefit is more than about 38% of your husband's FRA benefit, waiting until 70 will eventually give you more than taking spousal at 62 (which would only be 35% of his FRA benefit due to early filing reduction).