My benefit amount at full retirement age is $2000. My wife's is $900. I understand her spousal benefit would be $100 per month. If she delayed claiming her benefit until age 70 so that her benefit increased to $1188 (32%) would she still receive the $100 spousal benefit in addition to the higher benefit amount. In other words would she receive $1288 or $1188?
Thanks

Hi,

No, your wife wouldn't be paid any spousal benefits in that scenario (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300615694). The increase in her own benefit rate resulting from delayed retirement credits ($288) would be subtracted from her spousal rate ($100), leaving her with a spousal rate of zero.

If your wife was born prior to January 2 1954 she could potentially file just for spousal benefits only at her full retirement age and then switch to her own record at age 70. However, you would have to be drawing your benefits in order for your wife to be able to receive spousal benefits.

In any case, you and your wife should strongly consider using our maximization software to compare your various possible filing strategies in order to determine what's best.

Best, Jerry