My approximate benefit at age 66 is $2500 a month and my wife's benefit at age 66 is $1200. We are 5 week apart in age. Can we not take my benefit and take hers. If we do that would I receive about 50% less or approx. $600 from hers as her spouse. This way I could let my benefit increase until age 70 so that she would have a greater benefit if I preceeded her in death. I know the rules have changed on this . Thanks.

Hi,

You can if you were born prior to January 2 1954. Otherwise, you'd be deemed to also be applying for benefits on your own account when you file for spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

Assuming that you were born prior to January 2 1954, then yes your spousal benefit amount would be 50% of your wife's full retirement age benefit amount (PIA).

Best, Jerry