How to apply for spousal benefits online when my husband is filing at 70 and I took SS at 62?

Yes, you definitely need to apply separately! I went through this exact situation last year. The spousal benefit is NOT automatic when you're already collecting on your own record. I tried calling for weeks and couldn't get through, so I finally went to my local office and filed the application in person. The SSA website doesn't make it obvious how to do this online - I couldn't find it either.

This is a common point of confusion. You DO need to apply for spousal benefits even if you're already receiving your own retirement benefits. Here's why: When you're already receiving your own retirement benefits and your spouse files, the SSA needs to calculate whether you're entitled to an additional amount (which would be up to 50% of your husband's PIA minus your own benefit amount). This requires a separate application. You can apply online, but it's not immediately obvious where. Go to ssa.gov, click on "Apply for Retirement Benefits" (yes, even though you're already receiving), log in to your my Social Security account, and during the application process, there will be a question asking if you want to apply for spousal benefits. Select "yes" and continue with the application. Remember that since you filed for your own benefits early at 62, your spousal benefit will be reduced as well. You won't get the full 50% difference due to the early filing reduction factor. But you should still get something if your husband's benefit is significantly higher than yours.

i tried doing that online process last month and it was super confusing!!! ended up getting stuck in an endless loop where the system thought i was applying for my OWN benefits again. waste of 45 minutes! finally gave up and tried calling but you know how that goes - spent 2 hours on hold and then got disconnected 🤬

You might want to try Claimyr if you're having trouble getting through to SSA on the phone. I was in the exact same boat trying to apply for spousal benefits after my husband filed, and couldn't get through for weeks. Used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to a real SSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of the usual hours of waiting and disconnections. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I was able to complete my spousal benefit application entirely over the phone. The agent confirmed that you absolutely need to file separately - it's not automatic. They also helped me understand exactly how much extra I'd receive based on my husband's PIA and my early filing reduction.

This is another example of how TERRIBLE the SSA is at communicating basic information to beneficiaries. NOWHERE on their website do they clearly explain this process!! I went through this nightmare last year - called 23 TIMES before getting through to someone, only to be told I needed to make an in-person appointment which was scheduled THREE MONTHS later. Then when I finally had my appointment, the claims specialist said I could have done it all online! UNBELIEVABLE. And yes, the spousal benefit is NOT automatic when you're already collecting your own benefits. This is a separate application. They should mail this information to everyone, not expect seniors to figure out their convoluted website.

make sure u ask about retroactive benefits when u apply. my wife got 6 months backpay when she applied for spousal after i started my ss

One thing nobody mentioned - be prepared for sticker shock when you see how the spousal benefit actually calculates. I was expecting to get 50% of my husband's benefit on top of my own, but that's NOT how it works. You only get the DIFFERENCE between your benefit and 50% of his, and then that difference is reduced because you took early retirement. So if you're getting $1400 and his full benefit would be $3000, you don't get $1500 more. You might only get a couple hundred dollars additional. The SSA does a terrible job explaining this.

Just wanted to add that sometimes the SSA makes mistakes in these calculations. My aunt applied for spousal benefits last year and they initially calculated it wrong. She had to appeal and it took 4 months to fix. Make sure you understand how they calculate your amount and check their math!