Ask Larry

Is There Any Benefit To My Wife Filing Early When I'm Age 70?

Larry I am 68, and plan to work until 70. At 70, my projected SS benefit is $3450 p/month. My wife is 63 and her FRA is $1020 p/month. Is there any benefit to my wife filing "early" when I file at 70? Thanks.
Mark

Hi Mark,

Based on your figures, your wife would probably want to file for her benefits no later than when she reaches full retirement age (FRA). And, depending on whether or not she's working and how much she's earning she may want to consider filing for benefits now so that you could file for spousal benefits. If your wife files prior to FRA her benefit rate will be reduced, but you might decide it's worth taking that reduction in return for starting to draw benefits sooner.

You and your wife should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully explore and compare all of your options so that you can determine your optimal filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Oct 4 2019 - 4:34pm
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