I took my benefit at age 62. My wife took a restricted benefit on my account when she reached 66. She will switch to her benefits with the delayed credits in December 2020, when she turns 70. Can I switch to a spousal benefit at that time?
Thanks.

Hi,

You can't switch to a spousal benefit, but you might be able to qualify for an excess spousal benefit in addition to your own benefit. You'll only qualify for an excess spousal benefit, though, if your wife's primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as your PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

For example, say Ray files for his Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. Ray's PIA is $800, but Ray's benefit rate is reduced for age to $590. Several years later Ray's wife applies for her benefits, and her PIA is $2000. Ray's unreduced excess spousal benefit would then be calculated by subtracting his PIA from 50% of his wife's PIA, which in Ray's case amounts to $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). If Ray is at least full retirement age (FRA) when he becomes eligible for the spousal benefit, he would then be paid the unreduced excess spousal amount of $200 in addition to his own reduced rate of $590 to give him a combined rate of $790.

Best, Jerry