Im planning on taking my social security at 70 since my wife is 4 years younger and higher survivor benefits. My wife does have retirement benefits but less than half of mine. If she takes her benefits before her fra can she take the spousal later at her fra or is deemed to be taking both. Thanks

Hi. Since your wife was apparently born after January 1 1954, she couldn't file for either her own Social Security retirement benefits or for spousal benefits without being deemed to be filing for both benefits. But, she couldn't actually qualify for spousal benefits until you start drawing your benefits. So, if your wife files for her benefits before you start drawing your benefits, she'll be deemed to have applied for spousal benefits effective with your first month of eligibility.

Your wife could file for her own benefits anytime after she reaches age 62, but if she starts drawing her benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA) her benefit rate will be reduced for age. And, that reduction will continue for as long as both of you are living even if she later qualifies for spousal benefits.

For example, say Amy filed for her benefits in 2019 at age 62. Amy's primary insurance amount (PIA), or full retirement age rate, would be $800, but Amy's rate is reduced for age to $580. This year, when Amy is 65, her husband applies for his benefits. Amy's husband's PIA is $2000, so Amy's unreduced excess spousal rate is calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her husband's PIA. In Amy's case, that amounts to $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). However, since Amy is only 65 when she becomes eligible for spousal benefits her spousal rate is reduced to $175. That amount is then paid in addition to Amy's own reduced rate of $590 to give her a combined rate of $755 (i.e. $580 + $175).

You and your wife may want to 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