My (DOB 9/1951 )PIA is $2,644 and my wife's (DOB 2/1953 ) PIA is $917 our plan is to file for her benefits at her FRA (2/2019) and at the same time I would file a restricted application for for spousal benefits. I am planing to continue working and file for my benefits at 70 ( 9\2021 ) and collect her spousal benefits until then. My question is when I file for my benefits at 70 will my wife be able to increase her benefits to 1/2 of my FRA benefits?
Thanks, Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Yes, your wife could file for spousal benefits when you file for benefits on your own record, and her combined benefit rate in the scenario you present would equal 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA).

For example, using your figures your wife would get her own rate of $917 if she files at her full retirement age (FRA), and then when you file at age 70 she would get an additional $405 from your account to bring her combined rate up to $1322, or half of your PIA.

Your plan sounds okay, but you and your wife may want to strongly consider using our maximization software to explore and compare your other options to make sure that you're choosing the best possible strategy.

Best, Jerry