I recently re-married and my new wife turns 62 in February of 2023. She is considering collecting SSA at that time. Is she eligible to receive 50% of my benefit when I begin receiving my full time benefit in September of 2023?

Hi. Your wife won't get a full 50% of your unreduced benefit rate if she claims either her own Social Security retirement benefits or spousal benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA). Your wife could claim her own benefits at age 62 and then claim spousal benefits when you start drawing your benefits, but any reduction for age would be applied accordingly.

For example, let's say Joy files for her Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. Joy's PIA, which is equal to the amount she'd be eligible for if she started drawing her benefits at full retirement age (FRA), is $600. But, Joy's benefit rate is reduced for age to $420 because she's claiming her benefits at age 62. Six months later Joy's spouse applies for his benefits, and his PIA is $2000. Joy's unreduced excess spousal benefit would then be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her husband's PIA, which in Joy's case amounts to $400 (i.e. $2000/2 - $600). But, since Joy is only age 62 1/2 when she becomes eligible for spousal benefits, her spousal rate is reduced to $270. Joy would then be paid her reduced spousal rate of $270 in addition to her own rate of $420 to give her a combined reduced benefit amount of $690.

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your options so that you can determine the best overall strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry