- How It Works
- ServicesServicesOverviewChoose the right level of support for your plan and needsExpert ReviewA comprehensive review of inputs and reports to get you on the right pathFiling AssistanceLet our experts deal with Social Security for youClawback AssistanceFor those who need help fighting a Social Security benefit clawback
- Why Choose Us
- ResourcesResourcesBooksFrom the world-renowned economist behind Maximize My Social SecurityWebinars & PodcastsExpert tips and guides to help you get the maximum from Maximize My Social SecurtyArticlesIn-depth commentary on Social Security from our founderAsk LarryThousands of questions answered by our Social Security expertsBlogSocial Security insights to help you maximize your lifetime benefitsFAQYour most pressing questions answered
- Pricing
Ask Larry
Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
November 8, 2019
Category:
Can I Collect Spousal Benefits While Waiting Until Age 70 To Claim My Own Benefits?
My wife began taking social security at age 63. She will be 66 (FRA) in February 2020. I am 64 (FRA 66/2) and still working and will have a much higher benefit when I collect. I would like to retire in the next 2 years and live off other savings and retirement accounts and wait until 70 to collect social security to maximize my benefit (and her survivor benefit if applicable). Can I collect spousal benefits on her record in the meantime (until I turn 70), knowing it would be a small, but helpful, benefit?
Hi,
No. Since you were born after January 1 1954 you'd be deemed to also be applying for your own Social Security retirement benefits if you filed for spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/claiming.html).
Best, Jerry