If I collect my social security at 63 years old can my wife claim spousal benefits on my earnings then, she will be 63 also, or does she collect her own benefits which will be much lower than the spousal benefits. If so can she switch to spousal benefits at full retirement age of 67. Thank You

Hi,

If your wife files for benefits at age 63, she'll be deemed to be filing for both retirement benefits on her own record and spousal benefits on your record, assuming that you are already drawing your benefits when she files. She cannot file for reduced benefits on one record before full retirement age (FRA) and then switch to the other record at FRA.

Depending on your birthdates and relative benefit rates, numerous potential filing strategies are available to you and your wife. You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry