HI LARRY!
CAN MY WIFE GET SPOUSAL BENEFITS?
- SHE WILL TURN 62 ON 27 JANUARY 2018
- SHE HAS WORKED IN THE PAST BUT DOES NOT HAVE THE MINIMUM CREDITS TO QUALIFY
- I HER HUSBAND WILL BE 76 THIS DECEMBER
- I HAVE BEEN COLLECTING SOCIAL SECURITY SINCE AGE 66 ($2574.00/MO)
- I HAVE A 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO IS COLLECTING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ($1287.00/MO)
THANKS LARRY

Hi,

Yes, it sounds like your wife would first qualify for reduced spousal benefits based on age effective February 2018 assuming you've been married for at least a year at that time. Her spousal rate would be about 31% less if she starts drawing then as opposed to waiting until her full retirement age to file. Furthermore, the family maximum amount payable on your record would result in her benefit rate and your daughter's benefit rate being lowered due to your wife's entitlement.

On the other hand, if your daughter is in your wife's care, your wife may qualify for spousal benefits now. And, there would be no reduction for age in that event.

Your wife may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore all of her options and determine her best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry