Can I claim my own Social Security now and switch to spousal benefits when my higher-earning husband retires?

The short answer is yes, but not exactly how you might think. Once you file for your own benefits, when your husband eventually files, SSA will automatically determine if you're eligible for additional spousal benefits. You won't get your full benefit PLUS half of his - instead, you'll get your own benefit amount plus the difference to bring you up to the maximum spousal amount (which is generally 50% of his FRA benefit). Also important - since you're taking your benefits early at 62, you'll be getting a permanently reduced amount (about 30% less than your FRA amount). And this reduction will affect your total benefit even after spousal benefits kick in. The "deemed filing" rule basically means when you file for one benefit, you're deemed to have filed for all benefits you're eligible for at that time.

i did something like this last yr. took mine at 63 then when my wife filed i got a little extra. they did it all automatic, u dont need to apply again they just adjust it when ur spouse files. but the extra wasnt much tbh

This is a common question, and there are some important details to understand: 1. When you take your own benefit early at 62, it will be permanently reduced by about 30% from your Full Retirement Age (FRA) amount. 2. Later, when your husband files, SSA will calculate your spousal benefit (up to 50% of his FRA amount) and compare it to your own benefit. You'll receive the higher of the two, not both. 3. If the spousal benefit is higher, you'll receive your own benefit plus the difference to reach the spousal amount. 4. Because you took your benefit early, your spousal benefit will also be reduced. The reduction is based on the number of months before your FRA when you first filed for ANY benefit. 5. Under current rules (post-2015), there's no strategy to take only one benefit and then switch completely. The "deemed filing" rule means you're applying for all available benefits when you file. In your specific situation, with such a large difference between your benefits, you might still see an increase when your husband files, even with the early filing reduction. But it won't be the full 50% of his benefit.

Anyone else notice how impossible it is to get definitive answers from SSA directly? Tried calling them 3 times last month about almost this exact question and got disconnected each time after waiting over an hour. It's like they don't want us to understand our own benefits!

I really appreciate all these responses! It sounds like I should expect my benefit to be permanently reduced if I take it at 62, and then I might get a small boost when my husband files, but not the full 50% of his benefit. I think I need to really run the numbers and see if taking it early makes sense. We do have some savings, so maybe waiting until at least 65 would be better? It's such a complicated decision.

My financial advisor told me that if both spouses have earned their own benefits, but one is significantly higher, then the lower-earning spouse should consider taking benefits early while the higher earner delays as long as possible. This maximizes the survivor benefit. Doesn't work for everyone but something to think about.

ppl r forgetting about the earnings test!! if ur still working at 62 and make over $22,320 (2025 limit i think) they take back $1 of benefits for every $2 u earn over that amount. happened to my brother and he basically got nothing til he hit FRA

One additional important factor to consider: survivor benefits. If your husband passes away before you, you would be eligible for survivor benefits equal to 100% of what he was receiving (or entitled to receive). This is why many financial planners recommend the higher-earning spouse delay benefits as long as possible (ideally to age 70), as this maximizes the survivor benefit for the remaining spouse. In your case, if your husband delayed until 70, his benefit would grow to approximately $3,968/month (24% more than at FRA). If he predeceases you, that's the amount you would receive as a survivor benefit - significantly more than either your own benefit or spousal benefit.