I am 64 (b11/52), my wife is 62 (born 7/55) I just lost my job. Can I take spousal benefits from my wife until 66? will it hurt her or my retirement at 66?

Hi,

No, but you could file for spousal benefits only at age 66 and allow your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. The only catch is that your wife must be drawing her benefits in order for you to receive spousal benefits. Your drawing spousal benefits would not adversely affect your wife's benefits.

If you file for either spousal or retirement benefits prior to full retirement age, you will be forced to file for both and you will only receive the higher of the 2 benefits, which will be reduced for age.

To determine the best filing strategy for you and your wife, you should run the maximization software available on this website.

Best, Jerry