Can I switch from my tiny SS retirement to higher spousal benefits at 70 after husband files?

Yes, you can receive spousal benefits! But you don't need to cancel anything - SSA will automatically give you a combination of your own benefit plus a spousal add-on that brings you to the 50% level. If your husband's benefit will be $3,100, your combined benefit would be $1,550 (which is 50% of his PIA). Since you're already receiving $980 on your own record, you'd get an additional $570 as the spousal add-on. But you can't apply until your husband actually files for his benefits. So you'd need to wait until he retires and submits his application. The good news is that there's no penalty for applying for spousal benefits after FRA - you'll get the maximum amount regardless.

When i was in ur situation they messed up my paperwork THREE TIMES!!!! Make sure u double check everything they do. My husband retired 2 yrs ago and i was getting way less than i should have been. took 6 months to fix!!!!

The previous response is correct, but I'll add some technical details. What you're describing is called the "spousal benefit" and there are specific rules for your situation: 1. Since you're already past your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you qualify for the maximum spousal benefit (50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount) 2. Your benefit will be calculated as: Your own retirement benefit + spousal add-on (up to the 50% maximum) 3. You do NOT cancel your existing benefit - that's not necessary or beneficial 4. You can only receive the spousal add-on after your husband files for his benefits The application process is straightforward. Once your husband files for his benefits, you should contact SSA and request the spousal benefit. Bring both your SSNs, marriage certificate, and birth certificates.

im in the oppisite situation my wife gets more than me but i think theres a rule where u cant get spousal benifits til the main person files so you gotta wait til ur husband retires

Has anyone here actually tried to CALL the Social Security office about this kind of thing? I spent THREE HOURS on hold last week trying to ask about my Medicare Part B and then got disconnected!! So frustrating!

Quick follow-up question for anyone who knows: Will this affect my Medicare Part B premium at all? Currently it comes out of my SS payment automatically.

Wait I'm confused...isn't SSI different from regular retirement? My cousin gets SSI and it's like welfare not retirement???

Something nobody mentioned - make sure your husband understands that his benefit amount won't be reduced if you claim spousal benefits! I know several couples where the husband was reluctant to let his wife claim on his record because he thought it would reduce his payment. It doesn't impact his benefit at all.

i went through something similar but got divorced after 25 yrs so i got divorced spouse benefit which is same concept but different rules about whether ex has filed yet depends how long u were married

To summarize what you should do: 1. Continue receiving your current benefit until your husband retires 2. When your husband files for his benefits, contact SSA (ideally make an appointment) to apply for your spousal benefit 3. Bring your marriage certificate, both birth certificates, and both Social Security cards to the appointment 4. You'll then receive your own $980 benefit plus a spousal add-on of approximately $570 (assuming your husband's benefit is $3,100) 5. The total will be $1,550, which is exactly 50% of your husband's benefit And just to be clear - this isn't SSI, this is regular Social Security retirement with a spousal benefit component.