When should I switch from my SS retirement to spousal benefits? Month before FRA?

You should definitely go to SSA at least a month before you want to switch. The switch to spousal benefits isn't automatic - you have to apply for them. Since you're already at your FRA and collecting on your own record, you're eligible for the maximum spousal benefit (up to 50% of your husband's PIA if that's higher than your own benefit). When you go, bring your marriage certificate, both your SSNs, and recent benefit statements if you have them. They'll calculate whether the spousal benefit would actually be higher for you.

i did this last yr. u need to call and make appointment!! dont just show up, theyll send u home. bring marriage cert and ID

I think you might be confused about how spousal benefits work. If you're already collecting your own retirement benefit at your FRA, you won't "switch" to spousal benefits completely. What happens is that SSA will give you the difference between your benefit and up to 50% of your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA) if that's higher. It's more like getting a supplement rather than switching entirely. For example, if your monthly benefit is $1,500 and your husband's PIA is $3,400, you could receive an additional $200 (half of his $3,400 is $1,700, minus your $1,500 = $200 additional). If your own benefit is already more than half of your husband's, there wouldn't be any spousal benefit to add.

My sister tried this and they told her to wait til her husband filed for his benefits first. Does your husband already get SS?? That matters I think.

I went through this exact situation last year. The timing is important - I recommend going about 6 weeks before you want the change to take effect. I tried calling the SSA repeatedly and could never get through. Ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent quickly - saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU When I finally spoke with SSA, they told me I needed to complete the "Application for Wife's or Husband's Insurance Benefits" even though I was already getting my own retirement. They can help you file this either over the phone or in person. The extra amount (the difference between my benefit and half of my husband's) started the month after I applied.

THE SSA IS THE WORST!!! I waited 3 MONTHS after applying for the spousal benefit before they added it to my payment!!! And they didn't backdate it even though it wasn't MY fault that they took so long to process it!! So YES go EARLY like 2-3 months before you want it to start!!!

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that you should run some calculations before assuming the spousal benefit will increase your monthly amount. The maximum spousal benefit you can receive is 50% of your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the benefit he would receive at his full retirement age regardless of when he actually started collecting. If your own retirement benefit at your FRA is already more than 50% of your husband's PIA, then you won't receive any additional amount by applying for spousal benefits. For example, if your monthly benefit is $2,000 and your husband's PIA is $3,800, then the spousal benefit would be $1,900 (50% of $3,800), which is less than what you're already receiving. You might want to check your my Social Security account online or call SSA to verify whether applying for spousal benefits would actually increase your monthly payment before going through the process.

Based on all the advice here, I'd recommend these steps: 1. Find out your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) 2. Calculate 50% of that amount 3. Compare that to your current benefit 4. If the 50% amount is higher, schedule an appointment with SSA about 4-6 weeks before you want the change 5. Bring your marriage certificate, IDs, and benefit statements 6. Complete the "Application for Wife's or Husband's Insurance Benefits" The additional amount (if eligible) would then be added to your current benefit, not replacing it entirely.

i forgot to say make sure ur husband is already getting his ss!! my friend tried to get spousal and they said no cuz her husband wasnt collecting yet even tho he was over 70!

Just wondering but why didn't you apply for spousal benefits right when you reached FRA? Did you start working again or something? Just curious because I'm trying to figure out my own situation.

Great question! I just went through this process myself about 8 months ago. Here's what I learned: definitely schedule your appointment at least 6-8 weeks in advance, not just one month. The processing can take longer than expected, especially if they need additional documentation. Also, make sure to ask them to estimate your new monthly amount during the appointment so you know exactly what to expect. In my case, the spousal benefit added about $340 to my monthly payment, but it took almost 2 months to show up in my direct deposit. One tip: if you have trouble getting through on the phone to schedule, try calling right at 8 AM when they open - that's when I had the best luck. Good luck with everything!