Can I switch to Social Security spousal benefits after already claiming my own SS at 62?

Yes u can get spousal but it won't be the full amount cuz u took your own early. SSA calculates it different when u already took ur own benefits. Think its the difference between half his benefit and ur benefit. But also reduced cuz ur only 62. Kinda complicated

I went through something similar. What matters is if half of his PIA (primary insurance amount - what he would get at full retirement age) is more than your full benefit amount. If it is, you'll get a combo of your reduced benefit plus a reduced "excess" spousal amount. Call the SSA to check specific numbers.

OK LISTEN UP because SSA reps WILL get this wrong sometimes!! When you take your own benefit early AND then qualify for spousal, you get your reduced benefit PLUS the difference between that and half of his PIA (also reduced for early filing). It's called "deemed filing" and it's AUTOMATIC - you can't choose one or the other anymore after rule changes in 2015!!!! I've been fighting with them for MONTHS over this exact situation!!!

I've spent nearly 30 years at SSA before retiring, so I can clarify this for you. Since you're already receiving your own benefits, you would qualify for what's called the "excess spousal benefit." This is calculated as the difference between your reduced benefit and 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (what he would have received at his FRA, not his reduced amount). However, since you're taking the spousal portion before your FRA, that difference is also reduced. You don't actually switch to spousal benefits - it's more like a supplement added to your existing benefit. You should definitely contact SSA to get the exact calculations for your situation.

I tried calling SSA for nearly 3 weeks straight about my spousal benefits and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video on how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Totally worth it for me since I needed specific numbers for my situation similar to yours. The agent confirmed I was eligible for additional spousal benefits even though I'd already started my own.

my sister in law just went thru this and she got like $320 extra on top of her check because she started at 62 also. but her husband made way more than her so urs might be different

One thing to keep in mind is that you should check your earnings record on MySocialSecurity before making any decisions. Make sure all your earnings are properly recorded, as this affects your own benefit calculation. Sometimes people discover missing years that, when corrected, can increase their benefit. This might change the calculation for whether spousal benefits would help you. Also, remember that once the spousal benefit is added, you'll get whatever the higher amount is - they don't stack completely. The SSA will essentially make sure you receive the higher of either your own benefit or the appropriate spousal benefit amount.

Has anyone received retro payments when they applied for spousal benefits? Like if she qualifies now but didn't know to apply?

I just wanted to update everyone - I finally got through to SSA this morning after trying for days! The agent confirmed I do qualify for a small additional spousal benefit of about $245/month. Not huge, but definitely helpful. They're processing it now and said it should start with my next payment. Thanks everyone for your help explaining this complicated system!