Can I switch from my own Social Security benefit to higher spousal benefit after husband files at FRA?

Yes, you absolutely can do this! It's called the "restricted application" strategy, and it works exactly as you described. You'll collect your own retirement benefit when you reach FRA in February 2025, and then when your husband files at his FRA in November 2026, you can switch to the higher spousal benefit. The switch isn't automatic though - you'll need to contact SSA and apply for the spousal benefit once your husband has filed for his retirement benefits. You'll file Form SSA-2 (Application for Wife's or Husband's Insurance Benefits). One thing to remember: the spousal benefit maximum is 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is his benefit amount at his full retirement age. So your calculation of $2850 (half of $5700) is correct.

I tried doing something similar last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! Social security told me one thing on the phone then something COMPLETELY different when I went to the office. Make sure you GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!! They kept telling me I couldn't switch to spousal after taking my own which makes NO SENSE since thats literally what the law says we can do!!! The whole system is designed to confuse us and deny us what we're entitled to. The amount of misinformation from their own employees is INFURIATING!!!!

my wifes did this last yr. she got her benefit then switched to mine when i filed. we just called ssa they did it over phone but took 3 calls cause they kept dropping us lol but it worked fine

I want to clarify something important about your strategy. What you're describing isn't technically the "restricted application" as one commenter mentioned - that was eliminated for people born after January 1, 1954 by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. What you're describing is simply the standard spousal benefit rule. When your husband files, SSA will automatically give you the higher of either your own benefit or your spousal benefit (which is indeed 50% of his PIA). You should submit SSA-2 when your husband files, but in my experience, you may need to follow up several times to ensure it processes correctly. I recommend calling the SSA about a month after submission if you don't see the adjustment. One last thing - keep in mind that if your husband passes away, you'd then be eligible for 100% of his benefit as a survivor benefit (assuming you're at FRA).

Is anyone else having trouble getting through to social security lately? I've been trying to ask a similar question but can't get a real person on the phone. Been on hold for over an hour three different times this week before giving up.

i think ur confused about how this works. u cant just choose which benefit u want. when ur eligible for both ur own and spousal, SSA gives u the higher amount, not both. so if ur getting $2400 on ur own record and then spousal would be $2850, they just pay u the difference of $450 on top of ur own benefit. u dont switch completely to a spousal benefit. also there r earnings limits if u work while collecting. if u earn over the limit b4 the year u hit FRA, they take back $1 for every $2 u earn above the limit.

When my husband filed for his retirement benefits, I was already receiving my own. The SSA was supposed to automatically review my case for the spousal benefit but they didn't. I had to go to the local office and request it specifically. Make sure you follow up - don't assume they'll do it automatically even though they're supposed to!

My sister went through this exact same situation! Started on her own benefit then got the higher spousal when her husband claimed. But there was a 3 month gap between when he filed and when her increased payment started. They did pay her the back payments eventually but just be prepared that it might not be immediate. The SSA is soooo slow with everything.

I'm in a very similar situation and have been researching this extensively! One thing I'd add is that you should definitely request a Social Security Statement (either online at ssa.gov or by calling) to confirm your exact benefit amounts before making your final decision. Sometimes the estimates we have aren't perfectly accurate. Also, I've found that the best time to call SSA is right when they open at 8 AM Eastern - much shorter wait times. And if you do decide to visit a local office, you can actually schedule appointments online now through their website, which is way better than just showing up. One last tip: when you do apply for the spousal benefit in 2026, make sure to ask them to make it effective the month your husband files, not the month you submit the application. There can be a difference and you want to maximize your benefits!