Can I switch from my early SS retirement benefit to spousal benefit then back to my own at age 70?

Unfortunately, that strategy doesn't work anymore since the 2015 rule changes. When you file for benefits now, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for - both your own retirement and any spousal benefits. They'll pay you whichever amount is higher, but not both and you can't switch between them. If your spousal benefit would be higher than your own reduced retirement benefit, that's what you'll get - but it will be permanently reduced because you claimed early. And importantly, your own benefit won't continue growing until 70 in this scenario.

my sister tried to do somethin like this last year and SSA told her no way. rules changed a while back, cant do the switching thing anymore. someone at my church got really mad about it cuz they were counting on doing that!!

I think you should just take your own benefit at 70 when it's highest and skip claiming anything earlier. That's what I did and got the maximum possible. My husband claimed his at 62 though so we had some income coming in while I waited. Social Security is all about maximizing what you get over your lifetime!!!

The rules around Social Security spousal benefits changed significantly with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. The old "file and suspend" and "restricted application" strategies were eliminated for most people. Under current rules, when you file for benefits, you're deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for at once. The SSA will pay you the higher of either your own retirement benefit or your spousal benefit, but not both and you can't switch between them. In your situation, if you file at 62, you'll get either your reduced retirement benefit or a reduced spousal benefit (whichever is higher). Your own benefit will not continue growing to age 70 once you've filed. The reduction for filing early is permanent. If maximizing lifetime benefits is your goal, you might consider: 1. Waiting until your Full Retirement Age to file for benefits 2. Having a detailed analysis done based on your specific earnings record and life expectancy 3. Considering your household income as a whole rather than just individual benefits

Have u tried calling the Social security office?? I spent FOUR HOURS on hold last month trying to get some answers about my widows benefit. Finally gave up!!

Just want to add another consideration: if you're still working and under your Full Retirement Age, claiming early means you'll be subject to the earnings test. In 2025, for every $2 you earn above $22,750 (this year's limit), they'll withhold $1 from your benefits. So if you're working and earning a decent income, that's another reason to potentially wait until at least your FRA to claim.

The optimal claiming strategy also depends on survivor benefits considerations. If your husband predeceases you, as his widow, you would be eligible for his full benefit amount. If maximizing survivor benefits is important, and your husband has the significantly higher benefit, then it made sense for him to delay claiming as long as possible (which he apparently didn't do at 66). For your own benefit, the claiming age matters less from a survivor perspective if his benefit is substantially higher than yours would be at any age.

just to add my 2 cents i regret taking SS early!! dont do it!!! the reduction is FOREVER and its not worth it. im stuck with a tiny check for the rest of my life :

Based on everything you've shared - your continued part-time work, your good health, and your husband already receiving benefits - waiting until at least your Full Retirement Age would likely be more advantageous than claiming early. This would avoid both the permanent early claiming reduction and the earnings test reduction. You might even consider waiting until 70 for your maximum benefit, especially if family longevity suggests you'll live well into your 80s or beyond. I recommend using the calculators on SSA.gov to compare different scenarios based on your exact earnings record, or consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies.