Ask Larry

Will My Wife Get Spousal Benefits When I File On My Own Record?

My wife claimed her SS benefit at 64 and I took my spousal SS benefit at the same time. When I decide to claim my full SS benefits, will my wife's benefit be the same or will hers revert to a spousal benefit (1/2 of mine)? Thank you!

Hi,

That depends on your relative benefit rates. Your wife will continue to get her own reduced retirement benefit when you file on your own record. But, if 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your wife's PIA, she could also receive the difference in those amounts as an excess spousal benefit.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Apr 23 2017 - 8:08am
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