How to Use Social Security Spousal Benefits

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I retired at age 67 fater having paid 41 quarters of s/s tax. My wife collecter her 50% of my s/s monthly pay at age 65 (born in 1939). What is the process required so she can apply for the additional spousal benefit?

Henry A. Helou of PA 8:10AM November 18, 2012

My husbnd and I disagree on how this works. He says that if he files a claim, then immediately suspends it, which he did at 63 to satisfy criteria in his private disability insurance, I can claim - as a spousal benefit - half the amount he would be receiving had he not suspended his claim. Then, when he begins receiving full or reduced ss benefits, on or before he turns 66, I can continue to get the spousal benefit I had been receiving, which is higher than my own would be. Can we do this, get both?
Another point we differ on. If I claim my benefits when I turn 66 nxt mo., can I later switch to spousal benefits, whether or not he has begun collecting his?

Mary-Ellen jones of MA 2:47PM November 02, 2012

I began claiming my own benefits at age 62. My husband began claiming his benefits at age 66. I am now 65 and he is now 67. Can I continue to draw my benefits and part of my husband's at the same time?

Suzanne Smith of TX 2:08PM October 05, 2012

Say in two income family. Can both spouse use this startegy ?? Like Husband draws spousal benefit and let his benefit continue to grow. Can wife at the same time draw spousal benefit from husband's a/c and let hers grow also ??

Jatin of CA 1:56AM April 30, 2012

We're following this strategy but I fear it will somehow be disallowed before we get all the way through it. Like the "do-over" payment, I fear it will disappear through an unannounced adminstrative change and we will have gained nothing.

Michael of OR 4:49PM October 13, 2011