Hi Larry,

My wife (born in 1952) started collecting her full social security benefits at age 66 (and I, at that time was age 65, started taking 1/2 of her benefits, in addition to her benefits.)

I will be turning 70 this year and then will start collecting my maximum social security benefits (instead of just 1/2 of my wife’s benefits.)

When I turn 70 will my wife be able to collect 1/2 of my full benefits (Instead of the smaller amount she is collecting now.)?

Thank you for your thoughts on this question!

Hi. I assume you filed for spousal benefits at your full retirement age (FRA), not at age 65. FRA is the earliest that you could have filed a restricted application for spousal benefits only.

In any event, your wife can't switch from drawing her own benefit to drawing spousal benefits only. What she can do is apply for an excess spousal benefit when you start drawing your own benefits. Her excess spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her primary insurance amount (PIA) from 50% of your PIA, assuming that 50% of your PIA is higher than your wife's own PIA. If it is, the excess spousal amount would then be paid in addition to your wife's own benefit.

A person's PIA is equal to their benefit rate if they start drawing Social Security retirement benefits at their FRA. So, if your wife started collecting her own benefits at FRA, then her own benefit rate plus her excess spousal rate should add up to 50% of your PIA, not 50% of your age 70 rate.

Best, Jerry