My wife's expected social security benefit is less than half of mine. If she claims her benefit at age 62, and then switches to a spousal benefit at age 67 when I claim my social security. will she get half of my benefit or will it be reduced from that level because she started at age 62.?

Hi. No. The reason is that your wife can't actually switch from drawing her own benefits to drawing just spousal benefits. Once a person files for their own Social Security retirement benefits those benefits continue for the rest of their life. If they later become eligible for a higher spousal or survivor benefit they can apply for an excess spousal or survivor benefit, but they can't simply switch to the other benefit.

For example, say Amy files for her own benefits at age 62. Amy's PIA is $500, but she receives a reduced rate of $375 in return for starting her benefits early. Seven years later, Amy's husband files for his benefits and his PIA is $2500. Amy's excess spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her husband's PIA, which in Amy's case is $750 (i.e. $2500/2 - $500). Amy's excess spousal benefit is not reduced for age because she's over her full retirement age (FRA) when she starts drawing that benefit, but her own benefit rate stays at the reduced rate of $375. So, her combined benefit amount would be $1125, which is less than 50% of her husband's PIA.

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

Best, Jerry