Can I switch from my own Social Security at 62 to husband's 50% spousal benefit at FRA?

Unfortunately that strategy doesn't work anymore. It was eliminated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. Now when you file for any Social Security benefit, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for (your own and spousal), and you'll receive whichever is higher. If you file at 62, both your retirement and any spousal benefits will be permanently reduced. You cannot switch later.

My sister did this but she turned 62 back in 2012 so the rules might be different now idk

The answer is more nuanced than some are suggesting. You need to calculate which option gives you the highest lifetime benefit: 1) If you take your own benefit at 62 ($1,450/month), you get reduced retirement benefits, AND any future spousal benefits would also be reduced. 2) At your Full Retirement Age, you would be eligible for 50% of your husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), which would be about $1,550/month. 3) If you wait until your FRA, you could get your full retirement ($2,070) OR the spousal benefit (50% of his PIA), whichever is higher. With the numbers you've provided, your own benefit at FRA ($2,070) is higher than the spousal benefit you'd get (approximately $1,550), so the spousal benefit isn't advantageous regardless. SSA will automatically give you the higher of the two benefits when you file. I recommend running your numbers through the calculator at ssa.gov before deciding.

I tried doing exactly this in 2022 and was told by THREE different SSA agents that it wasn't possible anymore due to the deemed filing rules. When you file for any SS benefit, you're automatically filing for ALL benefits you qualify for. If you file at 62, both your retirement and spousal benefits get reduced permanently. I was so mad because my financial advisor told me I could switch later and he was WRONG!!

wait so if her own benefit at FRA is $2070 and her husbands is $3100, wouldn't 50% of his be $1550? so her own is better anyway?

God the SSA makes everything SO COMPLICATED!! They changed all the rules and didn't tell anyone. My mom got to do this back in 2010 and it saved her thousands. Now we all get screwed with these new rules. Thanks Congress!!

I struggled with getting straight answers from Social Security on a similar question last year. After trying to call for WEEKS, I finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an agent without the endless hold times. They charged a small fee but got me through to SSA in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It saved me so much frustration! The agent I spoke with was able to pull up my record and give me the exact numbers for different filing scenarios.

the whole social security system is designed to confuse people so they take benefits early and get less money lol

Have you considered just waiting until your FRA to file? If you can manage financially, that would give you the full $2,070 per month, which is significantly more than the reduced $1,450. Plus, if you need to claim spousal benefits later (like if your husband passes away), you wouldn't have the early filing reduction affecting those benefits. Just something to consider if it's financially feasible for you.