OCrawford
Expert Alumni

Retirement tax questions

@John Distler 

 

Hello,

Only if your spouse is not yet receiving retirement benefits. In this case, you can claim your own Social Security beginning at 62 and make the switch to spousal benefits when your husband or wife files. Social Security will not pay the sum of your retirement and spousal benefits; you’ll get a payment equal to the higher of the two benefits.

 

If your spouse is already getting Social Security when you claim benefits, you are subject to the “deemed filing” rule. Under this provision, you don’t have a choice whether to wait and switch. When you apply for your retirement benefit, you’re also automatically deemed to be applying for spousal benefits, if you're entitled to them. Again, Social Security will pay the greater of the two benefit amounts.

 

Thank you,

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