Can my wife draw social security at age 62, then switch to half of mine when I start drawing social security?

Hi,

No. If your wife claims her benefits at age 62, she'll receive those benefits for life and she'll continue to receive a reduced rate for at least as long as both of you are living. However, if you start drawing your benefits after your wife is already drawing her own benefits, she could potentially file for an additional partial spousal benefit when you file for your benefits.

A person can't switch from drawing their own benefits to drawing benefits on someone else's Social Security record. However, if a person is drawing their own benefits and they become eligible for a higher auxiliary (e.g. spousal) or survivor benefit, they can potentially receive a partial auxiliary or survivor benefit in addition to their own benefit.

For example, say Mary files for her benefits this year at age 62. Mary's full retirement age rate, or primary insurance amount (PIA), would be $800, but she receives a reduced rate of $576 in return for starting her benefits early. After Mary reaches full retirement age (FRA), her husband files for his benefits. Mary's husband's PIA is $2000, and Mary's spousal benefit would be calculated by subtracting her PIA (i.e. $800) from 50% of her husband's PIA. That would give Mary an excess spousal rate of $200, which would be paid in addition to her own reduced benefit of $576 to give her a combined benefit of $776.

You and your wife should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to help you determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry