Ask Larry

Is My Wife Eligible For Spousal Benefits While Waiting For FRA?

I am drawing SS benefits based on FRA (BD 5.25.52). My wife is retiring, and her FRA (BD 8.15.56) is Jan 2023. We are married 39 years as of Dec, 2021. Our children are grown and on their own. Is she eligible for Spousal benefit while waiting for FRA? have contacted SS via telephone 5 times, 2 say no, 2 say yes, 1 says file on site to determine. Found your site via a Forbes article.

Hi. No. Only people born prior to January 2 1954 are allowed to apply for spousal benefits without being required to claim their own benefits at the same time, and even they can only do so if they apply for the spousal benefits at full retirement age (FRA) or later (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/claiming.html).

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Jul 28 2021 - 12:08pm
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