Can I claim spousal SS benefits at FRA then switch to my own higher amount at 70?

Nope, you can't do that anymore. They changed the rules back in 2015 with the Bipartisan Budget Act. Now when you file for ANY benefit, they consider it filing for ALL benefits. So if you file for spousal benefits, they'll automatically give you whichever is higher - your own or the spousal. You can't pick and choose anymore like people used to do.

The previous comment is correct. The strategy you're describing was called "restricted application" or sometimes "file and suspend." This was eliminated for most people by the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act. Now, when you file for benefits, the SSA automatically gives you the highest benefit you're eligible for at that time. However, there is an important exception: if you were born before January 2, 1954, you can still file a restricted application for just spousal benefits at your FRA and then switch to your own larger benefit later. Based on your post, it sounds like you were born after that date. Your best strategy depends on several factors - your health, financial needs, and the difference between your benefit amounts. If your own benefit will be significantly higher, waiting until 70 to file might be your best option.

my wifes sister did somethin like this but she got divorced after like 30 yrs of marrige and was able to claim on her exhusbands record first then switch to her own later. the rules are different for divorced spouses i think?

I went through this exact situation last year. Thought I could do the same thing - take my husband's benefit at 66 (my FRA) and then switch to mine at 70. When I went to file, the SSA representative said "that strategy doesn't exist anymore" and explained about the 2015 law change. I was SO frustrated because financial articles were still mentioning this strategy without clearly stating it only works for people born before 1954! I decided to wait until 70 to file since my benefit is about 35% higher than what I'd get as a spouse. The 8% per year increase was too good to pass up. But boy, those 4 years of no benefits hurt financially!

There's one other consideration here. While you can't receive spousal benefits while letting your own grow until 70, you should still run the calculations both ways: 1. Taking your own benefit at FRA 2. Waiting until 70 for the increased benefit If you wait until 70, you'll get approximately 32% more than your FRA amount (8% per year for 4 years). However, you'll miss out on 4 years of payments. The break-even point is typically around age 82-83, meaning you need to live past that age for the delayed strategy to pay more in total lifetime benefits. Also note that if your husband passes away, as a widow, you would be eligible for his full benefit or your own, whichever is higher. This survivor benefit is different from the spousal benefit.

I tried calling SSA THREE TIMES to get answers about this exact situation for my retirement planning and couldn't get through to anyone!! Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for HOURS. This system is BROKEN!! How are we supposed to make important life decisions when we can't even talk to someone?! So frustrating!!!

One other important point: Since you mentioned you've been married for 17 years, make sure you stay married for at least 10 more years before filing for any benefits. You need to be married for at least 10 years to qualify for spousal benefits.

anybody know if this effects SSI too? my cousin gets SSI and is getting married next month

So to summarize for everyone: the "claim spousal at FRA, then switch to your own at 70" strategy (restricted application) only works if you were born before January 2, 1954. For everyone else, once you file, you get the higher of either benefit and can't switch later. It's frustrating how many outdated articles are still out there!