Hi - social security question, if my wife files at 62 for her own benefit, she will receive reduced benefit of approx $600.
When I file at 67 (we are FRA at 67 both) my FRA benefit is $2,900.
Can she switch to the spousal 50% $1,450 because she will also be at her FRA, or will that be also reduced because she initially filed earlier before her FRA? Thank you. Val

Hi Val. NO, a person cannot switch from drawing their own Social Security retirement benefits to drawing just a spousal benefit. If your wife files for her own benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA), the reduction applied to her benefit rate will continue for at least as long as both of you are living. She could potentially qualify for additional spousal benefits when you start drawing your benefits, though, and whether or not her spousal rate would be reduced for age would depend on your wife's age when you start drawing your benefits.

For example, say Amy files for her benefits at age 62. Amy's primary insurance amount (PIA), or full retirement age (FRA) rate, would be $800, but Amy's rate is reduced for age to $563. After Amy reaches FRA her husband, Bill, files for his benefits with a PIA of $2,900. Amy's spousal rate is then calculated by subtracting her PIA from Bill's PIA, resulting in an spousal rate of $650 (i.e. $2900/2 - $800). That would then be paid in addition to Amy's own reduced rate of $563 to give her a combined rate of $1213. But, if Bill had started drawing his benefits before Amy reached FRA, her spousal rate would have also been reduced for age.

You and your wife should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry