Can I take my Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?

Asked by: Prof. Keshawn Roob  |  Last update: March 9, 2024
Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)

Whether you can make this switch is determined by whether your spouse is already receiving benefits. If your spouse is not receiving any retirement benefits yet, then you could technically take your regular Social Security benefit as early as age 62.

Can I take my Social Security then switch to spousal benefits?

Yes. If you qualify for your own retirement and spouse's benefits, we will always pay your own benefits first. If your benefit amount as a spouse is higher than your own retirement benefit, you will get a combination of the two benefits that equals the higher amount.

Does taking Social Security at 62 affect spousal benefit?

A spouse can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a benefit as little as 32.5 percent of the worker's primary insurance amount. A spousal benefit is reduced 25/36 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months.

What is the loophole for Social Security spousal benefits?

There used to be a “file and suspend” loophole meant to help married couples maximize their Social Security benefits. However, after Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act in 2015, this loophole no longer applies.

Can I collect my Social Security at 62 and switch to survivor benefits later?

Can I Collect My Social Security Benefit At Age 62 And Then Switch To Surviving Spousal Benefits At Age 67? Hi. Yes, although you couldn't actually switch from your own benefits to survivor benefits only (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204035).

Social Security - Can I File at 62 and Switch to Spousal Benefits Later

25 related questions found

Can I collect spousal benefits and wait until I am 67 to collect my own Social Security?

You are eligible for benefits both as a retired worker and as a spouse (or divorced spouse) in the first month you want your benefits to begin and. You are not yet full retirement age, you must apply for both benefits (known as deemed filing). You will receive the higher of the two benefits.

How do I change my Social Security to surviving my spouse?

You cannot apply for survivors benefits online. To report a death or apply for survivors benefits, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, or contact your local Social Security office.

How do I switch to spousal benefits?

Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security?

The Social Security disability five-year rule allows people to skip a required waiting period for receiving disability benefits if they had previously received disability benefits, stopped collecting those benefits and then became unable to work again within five years.

When can a spouse claim spousal benefits for Social Security?

If you are receiving retirement or disability benefits, your spouse may be eligible for spouse benefits if they are: At least age 62. Any age and caring for a child who is under age 16 or who has a disability that began before age 22.

How long does spousal Social Security last?

How Long Do You Receive Social Security Survivor Benefits? Social Security survivor benefits are payable to the surviving spouse for the remainder of their life. Restrictions apply for divorced spouses eligible to receive benefits.

Why retiring at 62 is a good idea?

Filing for Social Security at age 62 could also end up making sense financially if you're worried you won't end up living a very long life. While you'll shrink your benefits on a monthly basis, by getting to collect that money sooner, you might end up with a higher amount of lifetime benefits.

What is the average Social Security check at age 62?

Based on data from the SSA's Office of the Actuary, nearly 566,000 aged 62 retired-worker beneficiaries were receiving $1,274.87 as of Dec. 2022. Meanwhile, the average Social Security check for the 2.27 million retired workers at age 66 is $1,719.85.

When my husband dies do I get his Social Security and mine?

In many cases, a surviving spouse can begin receiving 1 benefit at a reduced rate and allow the other benefit amount to increase. If you will also receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security, such as government or foreign work, your Social Security benefits as a survivor may be affected.

Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefits. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.

How do you get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Can you collect Social Security from two husbands?

Yes, you can. Notify the Social Security Administration that you were married more than once and may qualify for benefits on more than one spouse's earnings record. They will be able to tell you which record provides the higher payment and set your benefit accordingly.

Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?

Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

Can I collect half of my husband's Social Security at 62?

To qualify for spouse's benefits, you must be one of the following: 62 years of age or older. Any age and have in your care a child younger than age 16, or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse's record.

How long does it take to start receiving spousal benefits?

What are the marriage requirements to receive Social Security spouse's benefits? Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse's benefits. However, if you are the parent of your spouse's child, the one-year rule does not apply.

Can a wife draw off her husband's Social Security while he is still alive?

Yes, you can collect Social Security's on a spouse's earnings record.

What is the difference between survivor benefits and spousal benefits?

The short version: Spousal benefits are available to retired workers' spouses or ex-spouses. They pay up to 50% of a worker's monthly retirement or disability benefit. Survivor benefits are paid to a surviving spouse or surviving ex-spouse when a Social Security beneficiary dies.

What is the difference between spousal and survivor benefits?

While spousal benefits are capped at 50 percent of the worker's benefit, survivor benefits are set at a full 100 percent of the deceased worker's benefit.

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?

If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase. If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced a small percent for each month before your full retirement age.

What percentage do you lose if you take Social Security at 62?

If a worker begins receiving benefits before his/her normal (or full) retirement age, the worker will receive a reduced benefit. A worker can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a reduction of as much as 30 percent.