Full question: Hi Martha. Had a case recently where a younger spouse with a small benefit claimed her own benefit at age 62. She will get a spousal benefit eventiually when her husband files for his. When her husband files, does she have to immediately start the spousal benefit, or can she wait a few years until she reaches Full Retirement Age?

Hi there,

When her husband applies for retirement benefits, he will be entering information about his wife on his application and the fact that she is collecting retirement benefits. He should request and make sure that they apply any applicable spousal benefit to her own retirement benefit at that time. Depending on her age then, the amount of retirement benefit will be determined. I do not believe there is a way for her to delay this process.

Take care,
Martha

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