Will my husband get spousal benefits when I start collecting higher Social Security amount at 65?

Yes, your husband may be eligible for a spousal benefit that would effectively "top up" his own benefit when you start collecting. When you begin taking your Social Security, your husband could receive up to 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) if that amount exceeds what he's currently receiving. Since he took his benefits early at 63, his own benefit is permanently reduced. However, the spousal benefit calculation is separate. The SSA will pay him his own benefit first, then add any additional spousal benefit he's entitled to. Because he started receiving benefits before his Full Retirement Age (FRA), his spousal benefit will also be reduced. He'll need to contact SSA when you file for your benefits to trigger the spousal benefit review.

That isn't quite right actually. You're confusing things a bit here. If your husband already took his own benefits at 63, he's PERMANENTLY reduced. He won't get 50% of yours when you file - that's NOT how it works!! The calculation is more complicated. SSA will figure the difference between his reduced benefit and what his spousal benefit would be (which is ALSO reduced because he took benefits early). If the spousal benefit calculation is HIGHER, they pay the DIFFERENCE as a top-up. BUT - and this is IMPORTANT - because he filed early, his spousal benefit is ALSO permanently reduced!!! Don't expect a huge increase.

my cousin went thru this exact thing!! her hubby filed at 62 and she waited till 67. they gave him a little extra when she filed but not that much tbh. like maybe $300 more? but every case is different i think

I wanted to add some clarity to your question, as there seems to be some confusion in the responses. Here's how it works: When you file for your benefits, your husband may be eligible for a spousal benefit. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at your full retirement age. However, since your husband took his own benefits early at 63, his spousal benefit will be permanently reduced. The formula is: SSA will pay your husband his own reduced retirement benefit first. Then, if his spousal benefit (after reduction for early filing) would be higher than his own benefit, they'll add the difference as a "top-up." The exact amount depends on several factors including your husband's Full Retirement Age and exactly how early he filed. A rough estimate might be between 32-35% of your PIA rather than the full 50%. One important note: This adjustment isn't automatic! Your husband needs to apply for the spousal benefit when you file for your retirement.

when my wife filed last year they sent us a letter saying they were reviewing my benefit for possible increase they did it automatically. wasnt much tho lol. the SS people are impossible to reach by phone tho took me 2 weeks of calling to get someone about another issue

My situation was similar but reversed - I took early benefits at 62 and my husband waited until his Full Retirement Age. When he filed, I did get a small increase as a spousal benefit, but honestly it wasn't as much as I hoped. The reduction for taking early benefits really affects both your own benefit AND any potential spousal benefit. Make sure you contact Social Security when you file for your benefits. It's not always automatic. In our case, we had to specifically request the review for the spousal benefit addition. One thing to consider - will your continued work until 65 potentially increase your PIA? If so, that could help with the eventual spousal benefit calculation for your husband. Your highest 35 years of earnings are what determine your benefit amount.

wait i'm confused about something - does he have to wait til hes FRA to get the spousal benefit or can he get it as soon as you file???

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! So it sounds like: 1) Yes, he can get some additional amount when I file, but it won't be a full 50% of my benefit 2) The amount will be reduced because he took early retirement 3) We need to specifically apply for this when I file for my benefits 4) Every situation is different, but we might see a few hundred dollars extra per month This really helps us with our retirement planning. I appreciate all the responses!