My wife has been collecting SS under her earning for the last 3 years. This year she reaches her full retirement age of 66. Can she switch then to SS spousal benefits, based on 1/2 of my PIA? This would result in a slight increase ($50/mth) in benefits.

Hi,

No, a person can't take reduced benefits on their own account and then switch to a full spousal benefit at full retirement age (FRA). It's possible that she could qualify for an excess spousal benefit on your account, but not likely. Spousal benefits are calculated by starting with one-half of the worker's full retirement age benefit (PIA), then subtracting the spouse's own PIA, not their reduced benefit amount. From your description, it sounds likely that her PIA is more than one-half of your PIA, which would mean she won't be eligible for spousal benefits.

It's too late for a do-over now, but the optimal choice would probably have been for your wife to file for spousal benefits only at age 66, then switch to her own account at age 70.

Best, Jerry