Social Security filing strategy confusion - will taking reduced benefits at 64 affect my future spousal benefits?

This is a common question with SS benefits. When you file early (before your FRA), you're right that you take a permanent reduction to your own retirement benefit. And yes, this DOES impact your eventual spousal benefit as well. Here's how it works: When your husband files, you'd be eligible for a spousal benefit that's up to 50% of his PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). However, because you filed early for your own benefit, your spousal benefit will also be reduced. The total amount you'd receive would be your own reduced benefit PLUS the difference to bring you up to the reduced spousal amount (if that's higher). In other words, filing early affects BOTH benefits permanently. If maximizing your lifetime benefits is the goal, and especially if your husband has longevity in his family, waiting until your FRA would likely be advantageous for you.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year! Turned 64 and was debating taking SS early since my husband (69) was still working and planned to delay until 70. I ended up filing early at 64 and now I'm really regretting it. No one told me that it would permanently reduce my spousal benefits too!!! When my husband finally filed this year, I thought I'd get 50% of his benefit but instead I'm getting way less because I filed early on my own record. The SSA rep said there's NOTHING I can do to change it now. So frustrating!!! Just wanted to warn you before you make the same mistake.

Something nobody has mentioned yet - have you considered whether you should file a restricted application for spousal benefits only and let your own benefit grow? That way you can collect something now while your own benefit increases.

Based on the numbers you shared, I'd recommend waiting until your FRA. Here's why: 1. If you file now at 64.5, you'll lock in the $2,200/month permanently (plus COLA adjustments) 2. When your husband files at 70, you'll be eligible for spousal benefits, but they'll be reduced because you filed early 3. If your own reduced benefit ($2,200) is already higher than the reduced spousal amount, you won't get any additional spousal benefit at all By waiting until your FRA, you preserve both your full retirement benefit AND your full spousal benefit potential. The only reason to file early would be if you absolutely need the income now or if you have health concerns that might limit your lifespan. Also, since your husband qualifies for the maximum benefit, the spousal benefit could be substantial - around $2,000-$2,200/month at your FRA (50% of his PIA). You'd want to carefully compare that to your own benefit amount.

I went through this exact situation with my wife. We both had good earnings records but mine was higher. She wanted to file early at 64 but I convinced her to wait until her FRA. We're SO glad we did this because when I filed at 70, she was able to get her full spousal benefit without any reductions. One thing I learned through this process was how difficult it can be to get accurate information from SSA directly. We spent weeks trying to get through on the phone with wait times of 2+ hours, only to get disconnected. Eventually I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got us connected to a real SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent was able to run different scenarios for us and print out exactly what my wife would get if she filed early vs. waiting. Having those concrete numbers made the decision obvious for our situation.

@profile7 Yes, it worked great for us. I was skeptical too but after my third 2-hour wait that ended in a disconnection, I was desperate. The service connected us to an actual SSA representative quickly. What I liked is that you still talk directly with the real SSA - the service just handles the waiting and connection part.

my mom did this & REGRETS taking SS early!!! she got like $240 less per month by filing at 63 and then when dad filed she thought she would get half his benefit but nope! they gave her some complicated explanation about her getting her own benefit PLUS a little extra for the spousal part but it was way less than she expected!!! dont do it!!!

One more important point: You mentioned your husband plans to work into his 70s, which is great. Just be aware that once he files for benefits (even at 70), if you then apply for spousal benefits, your income will be subject to the earnings test if you're still working and under your FRA. In 2025, you can earn up to $22,300 without affecting benefits, but above that, $1 in benefits is withheld for every $2 you earn above the limit. This doesn't apply once you reach your FRA. Also, don't forget to consider the taxation of Social Security benefits. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable. This might affect the calculations of when to file.