Comments on: Social Security Benefits Can You Count On If You Are Married?

By: Elsa Segura

Elsa Segura — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:21:12 +0000

I read in Money Magazine, October Issue, Page 72 that if my husband collect social security at 62, I can also collect at 62 and switch to full benefits when reach 66. Is this true? Can I collect benefits through him at 62 (we will both be 62 the same year). and then full benefits via my own work at 66?

By: Bob Richards

Bob Richards — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:22:13 +0000

There is a good summary here.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/retirement/2008/01/09/marriage-and-social-security-benefits.html

Once you select YOUR benefits at 62, you cannot make a switch at age 65 to HIS benefits. However, if he dies, you are entitled to 100% os his benefits.

By: DWmsen

DWmsen — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:42:15 +0000

My husband is 74 and receives social security retirement benefits. I am 59. If I start collecting my benefits at 62, would I be able to shift to 50% of his benefits (which is more than my reduced benefits) at 65?
If he dies before me, would I be entitled to 100% of his benefits in place of my own?

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:06:04 +0000

One comment I’d like to add….

In the scenario above, if the main wage earner, John, needs his Social Security income as a major source of retirement income (for example, if he doesn’t get a pension), he might want to hold off on applying for Social Security at an early age 62, and simply work a few years longer. WHY?

First, he gets a higher lifetime benefit.. even waiting a few years (and yes, working longer but with a goal in mind, right?) — it makes a big difference in your lifetime Social Security payment.

Second, statistically, women outlive men… at John’s death, Jane would get his Social Security payment (the increased payment of maybe $1400/mo because he waited a few years before he collected Social Security).