Ask Larry

Can I Get Spousal Benefits On My Wife's Record?

I'm trying to see if I qualify for spousal report off my wife record I was getting SSI at age of 57 When I Became 62 I switch over to Reduced Retirement Benefits My Wife Just Started To Get Social Security At Age Of 62 She Worked Longer Then I Did and Made more money Too How Do I Get Spousal Benefits Off Her Record And Who Will Be Able To Calulate That For Me To See Will That Be Benefiscal For Me I'm Not Sure Of Her Social Security Reduced Benefits I Went From 778 SSI To 927 Social Security

Hi,

You wouldn't be eligible for spousal benefits unless your wife's primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the amount that her Social Security retirement benefit would be if she'd started drawing at her full retirement age (FRA), is more than twice as much as your PIA. If your reduced age 62 benefit rate is $927 then your PIA is likely higher than $1200, so your wife's PIA would probably need to be more than $2400 in order for you to qualify for any spousal benefit while your wife is living.

If your wife started drawing her benefits at age 62 and her benefit rate is below roughly $1800, then it sounds like you probably wouldn't be eligible for any spousal benefits. The make sure, though, you may want to check with Social Security and possibly file an application for spousal benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Apr 28 2019 - 7:57am
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