Ask Larry

Both my wife and I were born in 1953. I started collecting SS early (62). My earning were a little more than twice my wife. Does that fact that I started collecting early affect her spousal benefit or will it be based on my FRA benifit? My plan was to have her do a restricted application at 66 for spousal benefits only then switch to hers at 70. I have been given some advise that say my wife benefit will be based on my current reduced benefit and that we both would have had to reach full retirement age to have her do a restricted application. Neither of those sounded right to me but it came from an "authority" outside of government. Thanks in advance!!!!!

Hi,

As long as your wife waits until her full retirement age (FRA) to claim spousal benefits, her spousal rate will be calculated at 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA). The fact that you took reduced benefits doesn't affect your wife's spousal rate, but will limit the amount that she could receive as a widow should you die before her.

And, since your wife was born prior to January 2 1954, she can file just for spousal benefits only at FRA and allow her own retirement rate to grow until age 70.

Best, Jerry