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Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
Can My Wife Claim Benefits On My Account?
I began my benefits at age 62. I am 64 now. I do not work. My wife with whom I do not live has turned 62; she still is working. Can she claim benefits on my account? If so, does that reduce my benefit?
Hi,
Your wife could apply for spousal benefits on your record, but she'd only qualify for spousal benefits if 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as her own PIA. A person's PIA, by the way, is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).
Also, there is an earnings test that could cause your wife's benefits to be fully or partially withheld until she reaches FRA if she continues working (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html).
If your wife does qualify for any spousal benefits from your record, it would not have any effect at all on your Social Security benefits.
Best, Jerry
Category:
Posted:
July 31, 2019