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Will My Spousal Benefit Rate Be Reduced If My Husband Takes Reduced Benefits?

Will my spousal S.S. benefit be further reduced if I claim social security at age 64 when my husband claims at the same time at age 62? Or will I receive 50% of his FRA reduced only by my early retirement.

Hi,

Your spousal benefit rate will be 50% of your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA), reduced for your age if you file before your full retirement age. Of course, if you're also entitled to benefits on your own record, you'll only get essentially the higher of your own rate or the spousal rate (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/spouse.html).

Whether or not your husband takes reduced benefits has no effect on your spousal rate, but it could limit your potential widow's benefits. You and your husband may want to strongly consider running the maximization software available on this website prior to deciding when to file.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 23 2017 - 10:24am
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