Ask Larry

Can My Wife Get Spousal Benefits After Filing For Her Own Benefit?

My wife is 62 and has low earnings and will apply for social security on her own record and receive 727 per month.
I am 59 and will wait until age 70 to take my full benefit, can she take spousal benefits after I turn mine on at age 70?
Thanks

Hi,

Potentially, yes. She could get an excess spousal benefit on your record when you apply, but only if 1/2 of your full retirement age benefit amount (PIA) is higher than her own PIA. Here's an example:

Jane's full retirement age benefit amount (PIA) is $950. She starts drawing own her own account at age 62 and receives a reduced benefit of $720. Eleven years later, Jane's husband John files for his benefits at age 70. John's PIA is $2000, but his monthly payment is $2560 including delayed retirement credits. Jane files for spousal benefits on John's account, and is eligible for $50 (i.e. $2000/2 - $950), which is added to her reduced retirement benefits of $720 to give her a total monthly benefit of $770.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Sep 7 2016 - 10:30am
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