Can I claim spousal benefits at 63 if my husband is at FRA and already drawing Social Security?

Yes, you can definitely apply for spousal benefits at 63, but there are important things to know: 1. Since you're filing before your own FRA, your spousal benefit will be permanently reduced (roughly 30% less than if you waited until your own FRA) 2. When you apply for spousal benefits before your own FRA, SSA automatically processes what they call a "deemed filing" - meaning they consider you filing for BOTH your own retirement benefit AND the spousal benefit at the same time. They'll pay you the higher of the two amounts. 3. You cannot take your own smaller benefit now and switch to the full spousal later - that option was eliminated for people born after January 1, 1954. Your best course of action depends on your specific earnings record and financial situation. I'd recommend creating a my Social Security account and checking your estimated benefit amounts before deciding.

I was in ur exact situation!! filed @ 63 when my husband was 68. They look at BOTH ur record & the spousal and give u whichever is higher. But taking it at 63 means a BIG cut - like 30% less forever!! If u can wait til YOUR full retirment age you'll get a lot more $$$. Its permanent so think carefully!!!!!

When you apply for spousal benefits at age 63, you'll receive approximately 35% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), rather than the full 50% you'd get at your Full Retirement Age. Here's the calculation: - At FRA, spousal benefit = 50% of your husband's PIA - Filing 4 years early (48 months) = reduction of about 15% (0.3125% per month) - So 50% - 15% = approximately 35% of his PIA If your own retirement benefit would exceed this amount, you'll get your own benefit instead. This decision is permanent, so consider your health, financial needs, and longevity expectations carefully. There's no single right answer - it depends on your specific situation.

I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through to Social Security about this exact question. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours! Finally got through using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration! Check out their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The SS agent confirmed that at 63, I'd get about 32.5% of my husband's benefit instead of the full 50%. In my case, that was still better than my own record. Just make sure you understand it's permanent - you never get to switch to the full 50% later.

my sister waited til 67 (her FRA) to get spousal and shes getting over $1600/month. her friend took it at 63 and only gets like $1100. huge difference!!!

Don't forget about Medicare! If you file for SS benefits at age 63, you'll still need to separately apply for Medicare when you turn 65. Those systems don't automatically talk to each other like many people think. And if you're still working and have health insurance through an employer, there's a whole other set of rules about when to enroll without penalties.

One other important consideration: Once you file for benefits, there's a limit to how much you can earn from working before they start reducing your benefits (the earnings test). For 2025, if you're under FRA for the full year, they deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above $23,110. This stops once you reach your FRA. So if you're still working or planning to work, make sure to factor this into your decision. Many people are surprised when their benefits get reduced because of earnings.

ALSO!!! don't forget bout TAXES!! up to 85% of ur SS benefits can be taxable depending on ur other income. we didnt realize this and ended up owing a bunch at tax time that first year 😠