Ask Larry

Will My Wife's Spouse's Benefit be Reduced?

My wife is 63 and I am 60. If my wife takes early social security and claims her own reduced benefit for the next 6 years, until I reach FRA, will she qualify for the 50% spousal benefit at that time? Does her spousal benefit get reduced by some amount if she claims her benefit before reaching FRA?

Bill,
Your wife's total benefit as a spouse at her FRA will be reduced if she takes her retirement benefit before her FRA. The total benefit will be her reduced retirement benefit plus her unreduced excess spouse's benefit, which is equal to 50% of your retirement benefit at your FRA minus her retirement benefit at her FRA.
Best,
Mike

Category: 
Posted: 
Jul 10 2016 - 11:45am
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