Hi Larry, I was informed by a friend that her spouse the higher Earner is filing for social security disability at 63, and that she will be filing for her full spousal benefits at 62. She was told by her adviser that she would get the full half of her spouse PIA? I told her that she would be penalized for filling before her FRA, and she stated that because her spouse is getting a disability benefit that she would be entitled to half his PIA if she filled at 62. Please advise if this is correct so I can clarify this before she files. Thank you for your time.

Hi,

No, that is not correct. Regardless of whether the worker on whose record the spouse is eligible is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, if their spouse files for spousal benefits prior to full retirement age (FRA) the spousal benefit rate will be reduced for age. The only exception would be if the spouse has a child in care who is eligible for child benefits and who is either under age 16 or disabled (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.07/handbook-0723.html).

Best, Jerry