Social Security filing strategy with age gap - claim at 62 or wait until spouse reaches FRA?

You've got a few misconceptions that need clearing up. If you claim your own benefits at 62, you'll lock in that early filing reduction permanently. When your husband files at his FRA, you can receive spousal benefits, but your total benefit would be limited to the LARGER of your own reduced benefit OR up to 50% of his FRA amount.Since half of his FRA amount ($1800) is higher than your reduced benefit ($1000), you would get a spousal boost to reach that $1800 total. But importantly, you wouldn't get both your reduced benefit AND half of his.Also, since you'd be past your own FRA when he files, you wouldn't face any reduction in the spousal portion - but the early filing reduction on your own benefit remains forever.

Thank you for the clarification! That helps a lot. So if I understand correctly, if I take my benefit at 62 for $1000, then when my husband files at his FRA, my total would increase to $1800 (half of his FRA amount). That's actually better than I thought - I was thinking I'd only get up to my own FRA amount of $1400. Do you think this is a good strategy given our age difference?

im in similar spot but opposite my wife is older an took hers at 62. shes getting like $830 now but when i file for mine in 2 years shell get more from the spousal. its working ok but remember youll have medicare premiums coming out eventually so that reduces what you actually see in your bank acct

That's a good point about Medicare premiums - I hadn't factored that in yet. How much are you seeing taken out for those premiums? And has your wife been happy with her decision to file early, or does she sometimes wish she had waited?

Have you calculated how much money you'll leave on the table by filing early? For EACH YEAR you claim before your FRA, you permanently reduce your benefit by 5-6.67%. That's a HUGE loss over your lifetime! The SSA intentionally makes early filing look attractive but it's usually a TRAP unless you have serious health issues or absolutely need the money to survive.Also, does your husband know that if he dies before you, your survivor benefit would be based on WHAT HE WAS RECEIVING? If he claims at 70 instead of 67, that's a 24% higher survivor benefit for you!

Not everything is about maximizing theoretical lifetime benefits. Some people need the money earlier or want to enjoy it while they're younger and healthier. The

Based on what you've shared, claiming at 62 might actually make sense in your situation. Since your husband has a much higher benefit and is significantly younger, you'll eventually get that spousal boost to 50% of his FRA amount regardless of when you claim your own benefit.Here's a breakdown of your options:1. Claim at 62: Get $1000/month now for 6.5 years, then increase to $1800 when husband files2. Wait until your FRA: Get $0 for the next 5 years, then $1400/month until husband files, then $18003. Wait until husband's FRA: Get $0 for 6.5 years, then jump straight to $1800Option 1 gives you $78,000 ($1000 × 12 × 6.5) before your husband files that you'd never get with option 3. And the difference between your reduced benefit and FRA benefit ($400/month) for 5 years in option 2 is only $24,000 total.The break-even point would be quite far in the future. As long as you understand that your own benefit is permanently reduced, this strategy could work well for your specific circumstances.

Wow, seeing it broken down like this makes it much clearer! $78,000 over those 6.5 years is substantial. I guess the only other factor would be if I keep working part-time and improve my own benefit by replacing those zero years, but even then it sounds like the early filing might still come out ahead. Thank you for this detailed analysis!

Has anyone actually tried calling the SSA to discuss these kinds of strategies? I spent THREE HOURS on hold last week trying to ask questions about my spousal benefits and then got disconnected! So frustrating!!!

Same experience here! After trying for days, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to SSA without the wait. They have this system that keeps your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUIt was definitely worth it for complex questions like benefit timing and spousal benefits that really need a human to explain properly based on your specific record.

One more important consideration: If you continue working while collecting Social Security before your FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test. For 2025, you lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $22,320. This could significantly reduce your benefit if you're earning a decent amount from your part-time work.Those benefits aren't permanently lost - they get added back after you reach FRA - but it's crucial to factor this into your decision if you plan to continue working.

That's definitely something I need to consider! My part-time income varies but it's around $15,000 annually, so I'd be under that limit. But if I pick up more hours, I could hit that threshold. It's good to know that the benefits aren't permanently lost though - that wasn't clear to me before.

also think about taxes if ur still working SS can be taxable upto 85% depending on ur other income

Good point. For individuals with combined income between $25,000-$34,000, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% of benefits become taxable. For married filing jointly, the thresholds are $32,000-$44,000 for 50% taxation and over $44,000 for 85% taxation. This is definitely something to consider in the overall decision-making process.

Just wanted to add that everyone's situation is so different, but I took mine at 63 and have zero regrets! Getting the money earlier let us pay off some debts and now we travel a bit while we're still healthy. No one knows how long they have, right?

I appreciate hearing about your experience! Peace of mind and enjoying life now definitely have value that doesn't show up in the pure math calculations.

I think you're overthinking this. In your specific situation with the big benefit difference and age gap, taking yours early makes sense. You'll get that spousal bump later anyway. The real question is what your husband should do - if he can wait until 70, that's a 24% increase over his FRA amount which would boost your survivor benefits if he passes away before you.Another thing nobody mentioned - have you checked if you might qualify for benefits on an ex-spouse's record? That's another option if you were married for at least 10 years before divorcing.

FINALLY someone mentioned survivor benefits! This is CRITICAL to understand. OP, if your husband passes away before you, you'll receive HIS BENEFIT AMOUNT as a survivor benefit (including any delayed retirement credits). Since women typically outlive men by several years, the higher the husband's benefit, the better long-term financial security for the wife.

Thank you all for the amazingly helpful responses! I'm leaning toward claiming at 62 based on our specific situation with the age gap and eventual spousal boost. I'll make sure to discuss with my husband about him possibly delaying until 70 for the survivor benefit protection. I'm going to try contacting SSA directly before making my final decision - hopefully I can get through without hours of waiting (thanks for the Claimyr suggestion). The earnings test information was also really valuable since I do plan to continue part-time work. I'll need to keep an eye on those limits.This has been incredibly helpful - I feel much more confident about making this decision now!