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Today’s question comes from Kimmy:
“I was born in 1953. I received my first Social Security payment in March 2019 for $1,118. My husband was born in 1954. He also claimed his Social Security benefits in February 2019, when he turned 65. His benefit is $2,472. Had he waited until his full retirement age to claim his benefit, he would have received $2,650.
Can I stop taking my own benefits and get a spousal benefit on his record?”
A ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity
Kimmy, there are a couple of important issues here.
First, you are entitled to receive a spousal supplement that would top off your own retirement benefit. The supplement would bring your total benefit up to half of his full retirement age (FRA) benefit, or $1,325 (assuming you claimed at your FRA).
So, you should already be receiving an additional $207, increasing your $1,118 to $1,325. If you do nothing else, you should contact the Social Security Administration and request your spousal supplement. You can get a retroactive payment to cover the months that you missed the supplement. At a minimum, you can get a retroactive payment for up to six months.
Second, you do have another option: You can request a “do-over,” since you claimed within the past 12 months. You will need SSA Form 521, “Request for Withdrawal of Application,” for this request.
Keep in mind that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since you were born prior to 1954, you can claim a spousal benefit while letting your own benefit grow up to age 70.
If you follow this approach, there is a downside: You would need to pay back the benefits you have received so far. Then, you can claim spousal benefits only, requesting a retroactive payment for up to six months, or whenever you reached your FRA.
Under this option, you would receive $1,325 a month until you turn 70, and then you would switch to your own benefit. Due to delayed retirement credits, your own benefit will have grown by 32%, or to $1,476 from $1,118.
Kimmy, your situation provides a good example of why those getting ready to claim Social Security benefits should seek some professional guidance. The Social Security rules can be confusing, so a little inexpensive help can go a long way toward helping you make the best decision for you and your husband.
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About me
I hold a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught economics at the University of Delaware for many years. I now do the same at Gallaudet University.
In 2009, I co-founded SocialSecurityChoices.com, an internet company that provides advice on Social Security claiming decisions. You can learn more about that by clicking here.
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