Larry, I turn 61 this month and my wife turns 60 in August. We were able to do an early retirement in 2015. My SS benefit is not quite twice my wife's benefit. I plan to draw my retirement at 70 to max mine out. We're trying to decide how when to take her benefit. With the new law, I have lost the ability to take a spousal benefit if my wife would have taken her benefit at 66+. So, can she take her benefit at 62+ and then when I draw SS benefit at 70, would she be able to get the excess spousal benefit difference from her benefit to 50% of mine at 70 spousal benefit? By the way I'm reading your book...Get What's Yours... it has been helpful and has me thinking. SS is quite complex, that is why I'm looking at this now. Best Dave

Dave,
Yes, your wife can take her retirement benefit at age 62+, however it will be reduced if she takes it before her full retirement age (FRA). Her excess spouse's benefit would be equal to one half of your retirement benefit at your FRA, not your increased benefit at age 70, minus her retirement benefit at her FRA, not her reduced benefit. From what you say, her excess spouse's benefit would be zero since your retirement benefit is less than twice hers.

Best,
Mike