Can I get Social Security spousal benefits top-up if I claim my own retirement at 62?

The spousal benefit doesn't exactly work as a 'top off' the way many people think. Here's how it actually works: When your husband files for his benefits, you become eligible for a spousal benefit that could be up to 50% of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). However, since you're taking your own benefit early, there are some important things to consider: 1. You'll be permanently reduced on your own record for claiming at 62 (about a 30% reduction) 2. The Social Security Administration will pay your own benefit first 3. IF your potential spousal benefit is higher than your own benefit, you'll get the difference as a 'top up' For example, if your husband's PIA is $3,100, the maximum spousal benefit would be $1,550. But since you're taking it before your FRA, it would be reduced. And they'll only pay the difference between your reduced benefit and the reduced spousal amount. In most cases, taking benefits early results in a permanently lower combined amount over your lifetime. Have you created a my Social Security account to see your exact numbers?

my sister did this and regrets it now. she took hers at 62 and then when her husband filed she only got like $300 extra because of the early filing reducshun. wish someone had told her to wait!!! once you file early your stuck with that lower amount FOREVER

I recommend getting an actual calculation of your specific situation before making any decisions. The spousal benefit coordination is one of the most misunderstood parts of Social Security. A few important points: 1. You cannot receive a spousal benefit until your husband actually files for his benefit 2. If you file for your own retirement at 62, you'll be deemed to have filed for spousal benefits simultaneously when they become available (when your husband files) 3. Your spousal benefit will be reduced for taking it early, even if you weren't eligible for it when you first filed The formula is: You'll receive the higher of: a) Your own reduced retirement benefit, or b) The sum of your reduced retirement benefit plus the difference between your reduced spousal benefit and your reduced retirement benefit This is why timing these decisions properly is so important. Have you looked into the break-even analysis to see at what age waiting would pay off?

I had the EXACT same question last year! Calling SS is a nightmare - I spent 3 weeks trying to get through. Finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They connected me directly to an agent who explained my specific situation. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or their site claimyr.com - it was worth it to get actual answers from SSA about my specific situation rather than guessing. In my case, waiting until my FRA for both my benefit and spousal was better than taking mine early. The agent ran the numbers for various scenarios and showed me I'd be leaving about $40k on the table over my lifetime by filing early!

Listen I'll tell you what THEY don't want you to know. The whole system is RIGGED against early filers!!!! They use confusing rules to trick people into taking benefits early, then they SLASH your benefits with these complicated formulas. My cousin worked for SSA for 30 years and told me the government HOPES people file early because it saves them BILLIONS!!!! The spousal benefit is just another way they confuse people!!

im confused about something... if the husband isnt filing til 67 but the wife wants money now at 62, does she just get her own benefit until he files? and then she gets more? my situation is kinda the same but reversed, im the husband.

I filed at 62 and my wife waited til FRA. Workd out ok for us bcause I was in poor health (heart attack at 59). Sometmes taking early makes sense if u need the $ or health issues. No one size fits all.

One more important factor to consider: if your husband passes away before you, you would be eligible for survivor benefits. As a widow, you could receive up to 100% of what he was receiving (or entitled to receive). If you've taken your retirement early but then later qualify for survivor benefits, you can actually switch to the higher survivor benefit while your reduced retirement benefit stops. This is one of the few exceptions to the usual claiming rules. So even if you do decide to take your retirement early, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll be stuck with a reduced amount for your entire life if you outlive your husband. This is especially relevant since women typically outlive men by several years.

btw has anyone noticed how the COLA this year is a joke?? 3.2% when groceries go up like 20%??? not related to your question sorry just mad about it lol

As someone new to this community, I want to thank everyone for sharing their experiences and knowledge. This is exactly the kind of information I've been struggling to find elsewhere! @Sean Matthews - your situation sounds very similar to mine. I'm 61 and facing the same decision. From what I'm reading here, it seems like the key is getting your specific numbers calculated rather than relying on general rules. One thing I learned from my research is that there's also something called "restricted application" that used to be available, but it was phased out for people born after 1954. So that strategy isn't available to us unfortunately. Also, I noticed several people mentioned the difficulty reaching SSA by phone. Has anyone tried visiting a local SSA office in person? I'm wondering if that might be more effective than calling, even though it means taking time off work. The survivor benefit information from @Ali Anderson is really valuable too - I hadn't considered how that might change the equation. It makes me think we really need professional help to model out all these different scenarios.