Can I collect Social Security spousal benefits at 62 while my husband files at 70 in 2025?

Yes, you can claim spousal benefits at 62, but there are two important considerations: 1. You'll receive a permanently reduced amount - approximately 32.5% less than if you waited until your FRA. When you claim spousal benefits early, they're reduced for each month before your FRA. 2. Since you're still working, you'll be subject to the earnings test if you make above the annual limit ($22,320 in 2025). For every $2 you earn above that limit, $1 will be withheld from your benefits. That means with your $28,000 income, about $2,840 would be withheld from your annual benefit payments ($5,680 over the limit, divided by 2). Also important: Your husband must actually file for his own benefits before you can receive spousal benefits.

my sister tried this last yr and SSA took back half her benefits cuz of the earnings test!! they don't tell u about that until its 2 late and then u get a letter saying u owe them $$$. just wait till ur FRA trust me!!!!!

Just to clarify some misinformation: the earnings test isn't a penalty or clawback - it's a deferral. Any benefits withheld due to the earnings test will increase your monthly benefit amount once you reach FRA. Here's what you should consider: 1. If you claim spousal benefits at 62, you'll receive a maximum of 32.5% of your husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), not 50%. 2. Your $28,000 income exceeds the 2025 earnings limit, so approximately $2,840 would be withheld annually. 3. Do you have your own work record? If so, you should compare your own retirement benefit to the spousal benefit. When you apply for any benefit before FRA, you're deemed to be applying for all benefits you're eligible for, and you'll receive the higher amount. This is why many financial advisors recommend waiting until FRA if possible.

Has anybody actually tried calling SSA to get a clear answer on this? I spent THREE DAYS trying to get someone on the phone last month for a similar question. NEVER got through. Their website is useless for these complicated scenarios, and the local office is booked 2 months out. This system is absolutely broken!!

my aunt got spousal at 63 and worked at walmart but she only made like 15k so she didnt have that earnings problem

One more important point that hasn't been mentioned: If you claim spousal benefits early, you'll be subject to TWO reductions: 1. The reduction for claiming spousal benefits before your FRA (approximately 32.5% at age 62) 2. The earnings test reduction based on your work income Here's what I recommend you consider: - Option 1: Claim at 62, accept both reductions, but start receiving some benefits - Option 2: Reduce your work hours to stay under the earnings limit ($22,320 in 2025) - Option 3: Wait until your FRA to avoid both reductions entirely It's really a math problem based on your financial needs and longevity expectations. If you need the income now, Option 1 or 2 might make sense. If you can wait, Option 3 maximizes your lifetime benefits.

Thank you all for this helpful info! I think I'm going to run some actual numbers based on what you've shared. It seems like I have three choices: 1. File at 62, take the permanent reduction AND deal with earnings test reductions 2. Keep working but reduce hours to stay under that $22,320 limit 3. Just wait until my FRA to avoid all these complications I'm leaning toward option 3 now that I understand better. One more question though - when my husband files at 70, does that mean I need to file something with SSA right away to establish myself as eligible for spousal benefits later? Or can I just wait until I reach FRA and then apply?