- 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
.png)
- 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.
Can I File On My Own Record At Age 66 And Then Switch To Lower Divorced Spousal Benefits In Order To Accrue DRCs?
I will reach FRA (66) in December 2017 and am eligible for divorced spousal benefits as well as my own (which will be higher). Am I able to apply for my own PIA in December then (in about a year) switch to the lower divorced spousal benefit to allow delayed retirement credits on my own benefits to accumulate?
Hi,
No. Once you file for retirement benefits on your own record, that becomes your primary benefit for life. If you subsequently file for another type of benefit (e.g. divorced spouse's, widow's, etc.), you could only receive benefits on the other record if the benefit rate on that record is higher than your own.
What you could do is file just for divorced spousal benefits at age 66, then switch to your own record at age 70. This is likely your best strategy, but you may want to run the maximization software on this website to be sure.
Best, Jerry
Category:
Posted:
May 9, 2017