Can I claim spousal benefits at 63 when husband works but doesn't collect Social Security yet?

You CAN'T get spousal benefits until your husband actually files for his own Social Security!!! This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. Doesn't matter how long you've been married or your ages. The ONLY exception is for divorced spouses (if you were married 10+ years) but that doesn't apply to you since you're still married. You jumped the gun by taking your benefits early at 62 - BIG MISTAKE many make!!!

The previous commenter is correct. You cannot receive spousal benefits until your husband files for his own retirement benefits. This is called the "deeming" rule. Once he files, Social Security will automatically calculate if you're eligible for an additional amount based on your husband's record. If your husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) is significantly higher than yours, you could receive a spousal benefit that would "top up" your current benefit. However, since you filed early, your spousal benefit will be permanently reduced based on your age when you first claimed benefits (62). Also important: When your husband files, the maximum spousal benefit you could receive is 50% of his PIA, further reduced because you claimed early.

my friend thought the same thing and waited 4 years for nothing!!!!! her husband wanted to wait til 70 to get max benefits but she could have been collecting her own the whole time. dont feel bad, SSA should explain this stuff better!!

I want to add some context that might help you plan. When your husband eventually files for his benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically calculate whether you're entitled to a spousal benefit "top-up." The calculation works like this: 1. They determine what your spousal benefit would be (reduced because you filed early) 2. They compare that amount to your own retirement benefit 3. If the spousal amount is higher, you'll receive your own benefit plus the difference Since you've been married 40+ years and you mentioned his earnings were higher, there's a good chance you'll receive some additional amount when he files. The fact that you started your own benefits at 62 doesn't prevent you from getting the spousal add-on later, but it does permanently reduce the amount. One strategy to consider: if your financial situation allows, your husband might maximize his benefits by waiting until 70 to file. This would increase not only his retirement benefit but potentially your survivor benefit if he predeceases you.

Trying to reach Social Security to discuss these complex filing strategies is SO frustrating! When I was figuring out my spousal benefits, I kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a live SSA rep in under 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours or days. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Totally worth it to get clear answers directly from SSA about your specific situation rather than relying on conflicting advice.

Just want to comment that this whole system is SO MESSED UP!!! Why should you have to wait for him to file? What if he never wants to file? They trap women who earned less into these awful situations and then make the rules so complicated nobody can understand them. It's designed to confuse us all!

Ok one more thing - DO NOT have your husband file and suspend thinking that will let you get spousal benefits!!! That loophole got closed in 2016 with the budget act changes. He has to ACTUALLY be receiving benefits for you to get spousal. Just don't want you to get confused about that because there's outdated info all over the internet!

this happened to my sister too. she took hers at 62 and her husband is 3 yrs younger so she has to wait forever to get the extra money. but you know what at least your getting something now instead of nothing. my sister says bird in hand better than waiting

As you're planning for the future, remember that when your husband eventually files, you'll need to contact Social Security to ensure they process your spousal benefit properly. While it should happen automatically, sometimes there are delays if you don't initiate the process. Also, when you receive the spousal add-on, it will be effective from the month your husband begins receiving benefits, not retroactive to when you started receiving your own benefits. Make sure to mark your calendar to contact SSA as soon as he files.