I'm 69, started collecting social security at 62 (2013); My spouse is 66 & started collecting last August. My current benefit amount is $1143.50; spouse's amount is $2373.50.
Since I started collecting early, do I qualify for 50% spousal benefit?
If not, what is the percentage?
How do I apply?
Thanks

Hi,

No, you apparently don't. You can't switch from drawing your own benefits to drawing just spousal benefits instead. It is possible for a person to qualify for an excess spousal benefit in addition to their own benefit, but unreduced excess spousal benefits are calculated by subtracting a person's own primary insurance amount (PIA) from 50% of their spouse's 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).

If you started drawing your benefits are age 62 and if your reduced rate is $1143.50, then your PIA would be roughly $1515 (i.e. $1143.50/.755). If your wife's benefit rate is $2373.50 and if she started drawing her benefits at full retirement age (FRA), then 50% of her PIA would only be around $1187 (i.e. $2373.50/2). Therefore, since your PIA is apparently significantly higher than 50% of your wife's PIA (i.e. $1515 vs. $1187), you wouldn't qualify for any benefits on your spouse's account while both of you are living. You would appear to qualify for survivor benefits if your wife dies before you, though.

Note that my answer is based only on the limited information in your question, so I can't say positively that you don't qualify for an excess spousal benefit. If you want to apply for spousal benefits in order to make sure that you don't qualify, you can initiate the application process by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213.

Best, Jerry