Can I take SS retirement at 62 but switch to survivor benefits at FRA if my older husband dies?

Yes, you absolutely can do this! I was in a very similar situation with my spouse. You can take your own retirement benefit at 62 (reduced), and if your husband passes away, you can switch to survivor benefits at your FRA for the full 100%. I actually just had to do this last year when my husband passed. Just make sure when the time comes that you specifically tell SSA you want to switch to survivor benefits - don't assume they'll automatically do it. A lot of people don't realize you can take different benefits at different times to maximize what you get.

While what you're describing is generally correct, there are a few important details you should understand: 1. If you take your retirement at 62, it will be reduced to about 70% of your full benefit amount. 2. You're correct that you can switch to survivor benefits at your FRA (67) and receive 100% of your husband's benefit amount if he passes away. 3. However, be aware that working while collecting early retirement benefits before FRA is subject to the earnings test. In 2025, you'll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $22,750 (estimated). Make sure your part-time work stays under this limit. 4. Also, consider that if your husband passes away when you're between 62-67, you could immediately claim survivor benefits at a reduced rate, or wait until FRA for the full 100%. It depends on your financial situation at that time. 5. Your statement about needing to reach 86 to break even makes sense if your life expectancy is shorter than that. This strategy (taking your reduced benefit early and switching to survivor benefits at FRA) can work well for couples with significant age differences.

My mom tried to do somethin similar and SSA messed it all up!!! They automaticaly switched her to survivors when my dad died and she couldnt get it fixed for months!! Make sure u get everything in writing and KEEP CALLING until they get it right!!!

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, if your husband passes when you're between 62-67, you can continue receiving your reduced retirement benefit while waiting until 67 to switch to the full survivor benefit. You don't have to stop benefits while waiting. This is exactly why this strategy works well for someone in your situation. You get some benefits during the years between 62 and 67, and then you can switch to the higher survivor benefit at 67 without penalty. Just be sure to specifically tell SSA that you want to continue your reduced retirement benefit and that you'll apply for survivor benefits when you reach FRA.

Has anyone here tried calling the SSA lately? I spent THREE HOURS on hold last week trying to ask a similar question about survivor benefits and then got disconnected. So frustrating! They're impossible to reach these days.

One thing nobody mentioned - taxes! If u take early benefits and still work (even part time) u might get hit with taxes on up to 85% of ur SS. My brother didn't think about this and regrets taking SS early now. Just something else to consider before u file.

I'm in almost the EXACT same situation!! My husband is 11 years older than me and I'm taking my benefits in 3 months when I turn 62. I talked to THREE different SSA reps and got slightly different answers each time about the survivor benefit question. The last one finally confirmed what you're saying - that I can take my reduced benefit now and then switch to survivor's at my FRA if he passes. It's so confusing because they don't explain this clearly on their website. The thing that worries me is what happens if he passes away when I'm like 63 or 64... do I just keep my reduced benefit until 67? Or should I switch to reduced survivor benefits immediately? I still can't get a straight answer on what would be better financially in that scenario.

Another thing to consider is that once your husband passes away (hopefully many years from now), you'll lose the smaller of the two benefits you were receiving as a household. So while your overall household income is higher now with both of you receiving benefits, it will drop when one of you passes. Make sure your financial planning accounts for this eventual reduction in household Social Security income.

Dont trust what SSA tells u on the phone!!! I swear they give different answers depending who u talk to. My aunt got told 3 different things about her widows benefits. Get everything in WRITING!!

Based on what you've described, your strategy seems sound. Here are a few additional considerations: 1. If your husband passes before you reach your FRA, you'll need to specifically contact SSA to tell them NOT to automatically convert your benefit to a reduced survivor benefit. 2. Make sure both you and your husband have set up your my Social Security online accounts. This makes managing benefits much easier. 3. Consider what happens if you need to stop working before planned. The earnings test wouldn't apply anymore, but it might affect your overall financial planning. 4. Keep in mind that survivor benefits include a one-time death benefit of $255 (which hasn't changed in decades). 5. If you haven't already, consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies. They can run exact calculations based on your specific benefit amounts. Overall, taking your reduced benefit at 62 and then switching to full survivor benefits at FRA if needed appears to be a reasonable approach given your age difference and life expectancy considerations.

I'm also dealing with a significant age gap situation (my husband is 9 years older) and have been researching this exact strategy! One thing I learned that might be helpful - if you're still working when you start collecting at 62, make sure to track your earnings carefully not just for the annual earnings test, but also because any additional work credits you earn could potentially increase your benefit amount slightly. Also, I've found it helpful to request an updated benefit estimate from SSA every year or so since earnings can change the calculations. The online my Social Security account makes this pretty easy to do. Your break-even analysis at age 86 sounds very reasonable given the uncertainty of life expectancy. Sometimes the peace of mind of having guaranteed income starting at 62 is worth more than the theoretical "optimal" financial outcome of waiting longer.

Emma, your strategy sounds very well thought out! I'm a former SSA employee and can confirm that what you're planning is absolutely correct. You can take your reduced retirement benefit at 62 and then switch to full survivor benefits at your FRA (67) if your husband passes away. A few key points to emphasize based on my experience: 1. When the time comes to switch, you'll need to specifically request survivor benefits - SSA won't automatically give you the higher amount. Make this request in writing or get written confirmation of your request. 2. The timing flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of your strategy. If your husband passes when you're 63-66, you can choose to either switch to reduced survivor benefits immediately OR continue your retirement benefit and wait until 67 for the full survivor amount. The choice depends on which amount is higher. 3. Document everything! Keep records of all conversations with SSA representatives, including names, dates, and what was discussed. This will help if there are any issues later. 4. Your break-even analysis at age 86 is smart planning. Given family health history and the 12-year age gap, taking benefits at 62 provides valuable income security during your early retirement years. The most important thing is that you understand your options and have a clear plan. It sounds like you've done your homework well!

As someone who works in retirement planning, I want to add one more consideration that hasn't been mentioned yet - the potential impact of Medicare decisions on your overall strategy. Since you're planning to take SS at 62, you'll still need to wait until 65 for Medicare eligibility. Make sure you factor in health insurance costs for those 3 years (62-65) when calculating whether taking benefits early makes financial sense. Also, once you're on Medicare, if you're receiving Social Security benefits, your Medicare Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from your monthly SS payment. This won't affect your survivor benefit calculation later, but it's good to know for budgeting purposes. Your strategy is solid, but healthcare costs during early retirement can be significant, so just make sure that's part of your overall financial picture when you file at 62.