Q & A
Can I get spousal benefits instead of my own Social Security benefits?
Complete Question: My husband and I have been married for 38 years. He started collecting his Social Security at 62. After we saw what a big reduction he had to take for doing that, we thought it would be better for me to wait until I’m 70 to collect my benefit. So in the meantime, can I collect a spousal benefit while holding off on mine?
Answer: You can do that, but only if you are full retirement age (66). If you are younger than 66, Social Security will pay you whichever benefit is higher – the spousal benefit or your benefit. The 50% spousal benefit is based on his age 66 benefit, not his age 62 benefit. If you are at least full retirement age, you can choose which benefit you want, regardless of which one is higher. If you choose to only receive the spousal benefit so that yours will receive delayed retirement credits, you will have to file what is called a “restricted application”. This way, the Social Security Administration knows that you are electing this option and they will not automatically choose the higher benefit for you. When you are ready to start taking your own benefit (up until age 70), you just let them know.