Can my husband apply for spousal benefits when I reach FRA if he's already collecting his own Social Security?

he cant switch to spousal benefits completly. if your benefit is a lot higher than his, they'll give him a supplement to bring it up to 50% of yours. but since he took benefits early hes locked in at a reduced rate forever

The previous commenter is partially correct, but let me clarify exactly how spousal benefits work in your situation. Since your husband started collecting his own retirement benefits early (at 62), he cannot "switch" to full spousal benefits. However, if 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is higher than your husband's own benefit, he may qualify for what's called a "spousal supplement." This would bring his total benefit up to the higher of: either his own reduced benefit OR up to 50% of your PIA reduced for his early claiming. Since he took his benefits early, his potential spousal benefit would be permanently reduced. The exact calculation is complex, but essentially: 1. SSA calculates what his spousal benefit would be (which would be reduced since he took benefits before his FRA) 2. If that amount is higher than his current benefit, he'll receive his own benefit plus the difference as a supplement He should contact SSA when you file to see if he qualifies for this supplemental amount.

I went through this exact situation last year! My wife waited until her FRA to claim, while I had been collecting since 62. I was really hoping to get half of her benefit (which was much higher than mine), but was disappointed to learn that because I claimed early, I couldn't get the full 50%. The SSA rep explained that my early claiming penalty would forever reduce both my own benefit AND any spousal benefit I might qualify for. I did end up getting a small spousal supplement though - about $340 extra per month. Definitely worth applying for, but don't expect it to bring him up to the full 50% of your amount.

Based on the numbers you shared, your husband likely won't qualify for a spousal supplement. If your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) will be around $3,200, then 50% would be $1,600. Since your husband is already receiving $1,820, he's already getting more than 50% of your benefit amount. Remember that the spousal benefit comparison is made using your PIA (your FRA amount) - not your actual received amount. And since he took benefits early, any potential spousal benefit would be reduced further. One important note: When you file for your benefits, your husband should STILL contact SSA or visit the local office to have them check if there might be any spousal supplement available. Sometimes the calculations have exceptions or special circumstances that might apply in your specific case.

my sister in law had similar situation...she got the bigger benefit and her husband was already collecting his smaller one for years. they went in to ssa and found out he could get a tiny bit more. something like $42 extra a month! better than nothing lol

Trying to reach someone at Social Security to ask these kinds of questions is IMPOSSIBLE these days!! I spent 3 hours on hold last week and got disconnected TWICE. Then tried to go to my local office and they said I needed an appointment - next available in 6 WEEKS!!!! Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human at SSA without losing your mind??

doesnt really matter if his benefit is already more than half of yours. he would only get a spousal if his was LESS than half of yours. sounds like hes already getting more then he would get as a spouse on your record

Just to give you a complete understanding: If your monthly benefit will be $3,200 and his is $1,820, then no spousal benefits would be payable. This is because his own benefit already exceeds what he would receive as a spouse (50% of your PIA, or around $1,600). However, there's another important consideration: If you were to pass away before him, he would be eligible for survivor benefits. As a widower, he could receive up to 100% of your benefit amount (or a reduced amount if claimed before his FRA). This is why it's still important for him to be "on record" as your spouse with SSA, even if he doesn't qualify for spousal benefits right now.

Why does the govt make this soooo confusing?? 😫 It's OUR MONEY that we paid in! All these rules about who gets what and when you can claim and how much is reduced... it's like they WANT us to get less than we deserve!

To answer your follow-up question: When you file for your retirement benefits, there will be a section asking about your marital status. Make sure to provide your marriage information at that time. SSA doesn't automatically know your marital status unless you've provided that information previously. If you want to be extra certain, bring your marriage certificate when you apply for benefits or when visiting an SSA office. While it may not impact your current benefit situation (since it appears your husband won't qualify for a spousal supplement), having this information correctly recorded in the system will make future matters (like potential survivor benefits) much smoother.