Can I switch from spousal benefits at 62 to my own Social Security at 70 for higher amount?

Unfortunately the "switch" strategy you're describing isn't possible anymore. Due to the deemed filing rule changes from 2015, when you file for any benefit before your FRA (67), you're automatically deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for. So if you file at 62, you'll get the higher of either your reduced retirement benefit OR your reduced spousal benefit - but not one now and another later. This "file one now, switch later" strategy was eliminated for anyone born after January 1, 1954. Since you're 62 now, you're affected by this rule change.

My sister tried doing exactly what ur talking about last year and got told no way by SSA. They said that loophole got closed years ago. Sry about your situation!!

I think you should consider a different approach. Since your own benefit at 70 would be significantly higher ($3,800 is substantial!), it might make more sense to: 1. Have your husband file for his benefits now if he hasn't already 2. You wait until your FRA (67) or even age 70 to maximize your own benefit 3. Live on his benefit plus whatever other income sources you can find for the next 5-8 years This approach gives you a much higher lifetime benefit. Each year you delay past 62 increases your benefit by about 7-8%. That's a guaranteed return you can't find anywhere else. If your husband's benefit alone isn't enough right now, perhaps look at part-time work or other income sources to bridge the gap rather than permanently reducing your future benefit.

im going thru the SAME thing right now!! so annoying how they changed all these rules just when we need them! theyre always taking away the good strategies!!!

Have you considered spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse's record? If you were married for at least 10 years before divorcing, that's another option. Just something to consider if it applies to your situation. I know several people who were surprised they qualified for this.

When I needed to talk to SSA about my complicated retirement situation last year, I was getting NOWHERE with the regular phone line - on hold for HOURS only to get disconnected! I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Might be worth it to get professional advice directly from SSA since your situation is complicated and there's a lot of money at stake over your lifetime. They connected me right away and the agent was actually helpful in explaining all my options.

One more thing to consider - if you absolutely need income now, you might look into claiming widow/survivor benefits from a previous spouse if applicable (those have different rules), OR consider claiming your own reduced retirement benefit now but having your husband delay HIS benefit until his FRA or age 70. That strategy works if his age 70 benefit would be significantly higher than what he'd get now. Then when he passes away someday (hopefully many years from now), you'd be eligible for a higher survivor benefit based on his enhanced benefit amount. The math on this gets complicated, so definitely talk to a Social Security specialist before making any decisions.

DON'T call the general SSA number!!! Complete waste of time. Call your local office directly - google "SSA office [your city]" and you should find a direct number. I got through in 20 minutes when I called my local office versus NEVER getting through on the main line.

After reviewing your numbers more carefully, I'm concerned about your estimate of $3,800 at age 70. That would be an unusually high benefit (it's above the maximum benefit even for someone who earned at the taxable maximum their entire career). The maximum benefit for someone retiring at age 70 in 2025 is projected to be around $4,873, but that's only for people who earned at or above the maximum taxable amount for 35+ years. I strongly recommend creating an account at my.ssa.gov if you haven't already, so you can see your actual projected benefits based on your work history. This will help you make a more informed decision.

Based on your corrected estimate of $2,850 at age 70 vs. $1,425 spousal benefit now, waiting still makes financial sense IF you can afford to. The break-even point would be around age 82-83. If you expect to live beyond that age (which statistics suggest is likely), waiting to claim your own benefit would give you more lifetime income. However, if immediate income is essential, taking reduced benefits now might be necessary despite the long-term financial penalty. Personal circumstances sometimes outweigh optimal claiming strategies. No shame in that - we all have to work with real-world constraints.