Hi,
I'm 71 and my wife is 70. We both started collecting at 65 based on our individual work records. I collect $2000 and she collects $500. Can she suspend her benefits and collect on mine, and I as I now realize that we made a terrible mistake by not doing so originally. Thanks!

Hi,

Your wife can't suspend her own benefits at this point, nor would she want to, but she can apply for an excess spousal benefit on your record. What she could then receive is the difference between a) her own full retirement age rate (PIA), and b) 50% of your PIA. Assuming the difference is positive, this additional benefit would then be added to the benefit that she already receives on her own record.

Benefits after full retirement age can be paid retroactively for no more than 6 months, so your wife will likely want to contact Social Security before the end of this month to file, or make an appointment to file, for spousal benefits on your record. Even if she only makes an appointment to file, it establishes a protective filing date that could prevent further loss of benefits.

Best, Jerry