Ask Larry

My wife took social security at age 68 on her work record. I, her husband, took my SS at age 70 on my work record. When can my wife switch and receive half what I am receiving?

Hi,

I assume you mean that your wife's benefit amount is more than half of yours, and she elected to take her own benefit as opposed to taking the lower spousal benefit first, then switching to her own record at age 70.

If that's the case, and if she became entitled to benefits within the past 12 months, she may be able to withdraw her application and file a restricted application for only spousal benefits instead. However, her new claim for spousal benefits would only be retroactive for a maximum of 6 months, and she would have to repay any benefits that she's received on her own record in excess of the back pay due in spousal benefits.

On the other hand, if you are both receiving benefits and you believe that she should be getting a higher benefit on your record, she can apply for an excess spousal benefit immediately. If that's the case, she will only be eligible if one-half of your full retirement age benefit (PIA) exceeds her full benefit inclusive of delayed retirement credits.

Best, Jerry