my wife is 1 1/2 yrs older than me. She was born 7/24/1957, I was born 12/20/1958. Half of my projected FRA SS is more than her FRA estimate. At her FRA, will she be able to collect 50% of what mine projects to be?

Thank you

Hi,

The answer to that depends on whether or not you are drawing your benefits at that time. Your wife couldn't be paid any spousal benefits from your record at least until you start drawing your benefits.

Based on your description, it sounds like your wife will eventually be eligible for some benefits on her own record and some additional spousal benefits. If she waits until full retirement age (FRA) to start drawing any benefits, then her total amount would add up to a full 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) once you start drawing your benefits. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). But, if your wife starts drawing her own benefits or spousal benefits prior to FRA her benefit rate would be reduced for age.

For example, say Mary files for her Social Security retirement benefits at age 64. Mary's PIA is $800, but Mary's benefit rate is reduced for age to $666. After Mary reaches FRA, her husband applies for his benefits, and his PIA is $2000. Mary's unreduced excess spousal benefit would then be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her husband's PIA, which in Mary's case amounts to $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). Since Mary is at least full retirement age (FRA) when she becomes eligible for the spousal benefit, she would then be paid the unreduced excess spousal amount of $200 in addition to her own reduced rate of $666 to give her a combined rate of $866. But, if Mary becomes eligible for spousal benefits prior to FRA, her spousal rate would also be reduced for age. If Mary had waited instead until FRA to start her own benefits her combined benefit rate would be $1000 (i.e. $800 + $200), or a full 50% of her husband's PIA.

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry