My wife took her social security at FRA. I have not taken social security, did not file and suspend and now want to take social security at age 68.
Can my wife stop her benefit and get my spousal benefit?
Thank You

Hi,

No, but she could be eligible for an excess spousal benefit from your record if half of your full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than her own PIA. Once a person files for retirement benefits on their own record like your wife did, that becomes their primary benefit for life. If they subsequently become eligible for another type of benefit (e.g. spousal, widow's), it's calculated and paid as a secondary benefit.

A likely better strategy in your case would be for you to file ASAP for spousal benefits only on your wife's record. You could then allow your own benefit rate to grow until age 70, and you and your wife could apply on your record at that time.

To compare your filing options and determine your best strategy, you should strongly consider running the maximization software available on this website.

Best, Jerry