Claiming spousal benefits at 63 when higher-earning spouse is only 58 - possible or must I take my own SS?

You cannot claim spousal benefits until your husband actually files for his own Social Security retirement benefits. Since he's only 58, he's not eligible to file for at least 4 more years (at age 62). If you need income now, your only option would be to claim your own retirement benefits. Then when your husband eventually files for his benefits, you can apply for spousal benefits at that time. Social Security will then pay you the higher of either your own benefit or the spousal benefit amount.

my mom dealt with this exact thing!! she had to take her own benefit first cuz my dad was younger than her. when he finally claimed his SS she got a bump up in her payment. they dont let u claim on someone who hasnt filed yet even if theyre gonna get more later

A few important points that will help you understand your options better: 1. You can only receive spousal benefits after your husband files for his own benefits. Since he's only 58, that's at least 4 years away. 2. If you file for your own benefits now at 63, you'll receive a permanently reduced amount (about 80% of your full retirement age benefit). 3. When your husband eventually files, you can apply for spousal benefits, but the maximum you would receive is the greater of: your own reduced benefit OR the difference between your reduced benefit and up to 50% of his PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). 4. If your husband claims early at 62, it doesn't reduce YOUR spousal benefit. Spousal benefits are based on his PIA (full retirement age amount), not his actual received amount. I'd recommend getting a personalized analysis from SSA directly. Your financial advisor's suggestion to wait until 67 might be financially optimal depending on your full financial situation, health status, and life expectancy.

NOBODY at SSA will give you straight answers!!!! I've been trying for MONTHS to get clear info about my spousal situation and keep getting different answers every time I call. They told me one thing in January then completely different in March!!! It's like they WANT us to make mistakes so they can pay out less!!!!

your financial advisor is wrong assuming you should both file at the same time. that's cookie-cutter advice that doesn't maximize your benefits. each person should decide separately based on their own record and health expectations.

One strategy to consider: you could file for your own benefits now (reduced to $950), which gives you income for the next 4-9 years until your husband files. Then when he files (whether at 62 or 67), you'd get a spousal boost if 50% of his PIA exceeds your own benefit amount. The math can get complex, but generally: - If you take your own benefit at 63: $950/month now - If you wait until 67 (your FRA): About $1,350/month - Spousal benefit at your FRA: 50% of his PIA - Spousal benefit if you claim early: Reduced percentage of his PIA The tradeoff is guaranteed money now versus potentially more later. No one can predict how long we'll live, so there's no perfect answer. However, if you expect to live past your early 80s, waiting often provides more lifetime benefits.

I'm so grateful for all the helpful responses! Let me see if I understand correctly now: 1. I can't claim spousal benefits until my husband actually files for SS 2. If I take my own reduced benefit now at 63, I'll get $950/month 3. When my husband files (whether at 62 or 67), I might get an additional amount if 50% of his PIA is more than my benefit 4. His decision to take early benefits doesn't reduce my potential spousal amount I think I need to do more calculations about our long-term financial needs. We have some savings, but I was hoping to preserve that rather than drawing it down while waiting for SS. Thanks again everyone for clearing this up!

Don't forget about Medicare!!! If you claim at 63, you still won't get Medicare until 65. That trips up a lot of people I know who retired early. They think SS gives them health insurance right away but it DOESN'T.

Have you considered what happens if you take your benefit now but your husband delays until 70? That maximizes his benefit (and potentially your survivor benefit if he passes away before you). For couples with one much higher earner, that's often the optimal strategy - lower earner claims early, higher earner waits as long as possible.