Can I collect spousal benefits at 64 while self-employed before taking my own Social Security?

Unfortunately, due to changes made by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, what you're hoping to do (collect spousal benefits while letting your own grow) is no longer possible for people born after January 1, 1954. When you file now, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for - both your own retirement and any spousal benefits. At your age (64), you could claim now, but you'd get the higher of either your own reduced retirement benefit or your reduced spousal benefit (which would be about 41.7% of your husband's PIA instead of the full 50% at your FRA). And once you claim, you cannot later switch to let your own benefits grow to maximum.

my wife did this exact thing ur asking bout last yr. she got like $800 from my benfit and then when she turned 70 she switched to her own which was more then what she was getting from mine. its totally possible!!!

I was in exactly the same boat as you! The Social Security system is MADDENING with all these arbitrary rule changes. Why should people born a few years apart have completely different options???? I tried for MONTHS to find a loophole because my husband is also at FRA and collecting while I was still working. Spent hours on the phone with SSA agents who gave contradictory information. Some said I could do what you're suggesting, others said absolutely not. Finally got a knowledgeable agent who confirmed that if you were born after 1/1/1954, you CANNOT collect spousal benefits only. It's all or nothing - you file for everything you're eligible for at once. The ONLY exception is if you're caring for a child under 16 or disabled who also receives benefits on your spouse's record. Unless that applies to you, you're out of luck!

U should call social security directly. don't rely on forums for this important stuff! my neighbor thought she couldnt get anything from her ex husband but turned out she was eligible for divorced spouse benefits all along and lost out on thousands. Always call SSA to be sure.

Here's the exact technical explanation: Under current rules, if you were born after January 1, 1954, when you file for any Social Security retirement benefit, you're subject to "deemed filing" rules. This means you're deemed to be filing for both your own retirement benefits and any auxiliary benefits (like spousal) you might qualify for. The result is that you'll receive whichever benefit amount is higher, but not both, and you cannot switch strategies later. If you file at 64, you'd receive either: 1. Your own retirement benefit reduced by about 15% for early filing, OR 2. 41.7% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (instead of the full 50% at your FRA) Whichever is higher is what you'd get permanently (plus COLAs). If your own benefit at 70 would be higher than what you'd get now, waiting is usually the mathematically better option - especially if you're still working and possibly increasing your own benefit amount.

I was in a similar situation but turning 66 next month. My husband is 68 and started his SS at his FRA. I kept working part-time but wanted some extra income. When I went to my local SS office to ask about getting just spousal benefits, the worker there told me I was born too late for that strategy!! I was so annoyed because my sister who's 3 years older did exactly this and it worked perfectly for her. My financial advisor said now the only real choice is to either: 1) Take everything early (reduced) 2) Wait until FRA for full benefits 3) Wait until 70 for maximum Calculating which is best depends on your health, family longevity, and how much you need the money now vs. later.

One other consideration: since you mentioned you're still self-employed, be aware that if you claim any Social Security benefits before your Full Retirement Age, you'll be subject to the earnings test. For 2025, if you earn more than $22,320, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. At your FRA, this earnings test goes away completely and you can earn any amount without reduction. This is another reason many self-employed individuals choose to wait until at least their FRA to claim benefits.

have u checked if ur eligible for divorced spouse benefits from any ex husbands? if u were married 10+ yrs and didn't remarry before 60 u might be able to claim on their record instead. just another option to look into!

I'm a financial planner who specializes in Social Security optimization, and I want to emphasize what others have correctly stated: the restricted application strategy (claiming spousal benefits only while delaying your own) was indeed eliminated for anyone born after January 1, 1954. However, given your situation as a self-employed individual still earning income, here's what I'd recommend considering: 1. **Run the numbers on your projected benefit at 70 vs. what you'd get now** - Self-employed folks often have variable income histories, so your benefit calculation might be more complex than typical W-2 employees. 2. **Factor in the earnings test** - As mentioned, your self-employment income would likely reduce any early benefits significantly. 3. **Consider your health and family longevity** - If you're in good health with family members who lived into their 80s+, waiting until 70 often provides the best lifetime value. 4. **Look into estimated Social Security statements** - You can create an account at ssa.gov to see your projected benefits at different claiming ages. The 2015 law changes were frustrating for many, but in your case with continued earnings, waiting might actually be the optimal strategy anyway. The key is doing the math based on your specific situation rather than general rules of thumb.