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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.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Increase My Benefit Rate?
I took spousal benefits at age 62 and am now getting only about 1/3 of my spouse's benefits. We are both in our 70s now. Is there anything that can be done to increase that amount?
Hi,
Probably not. I can't say for certain, though, since I don't know the full facts of your case. You might want to check with Social Security to see if you are receiving all of the benefits to which you could be entitled.
If you had waited until full retirement age to start drawing your spousal benefits, your benefit rate would have been 50% of your spouse's full retirement age rate (PIA). However, since you started drawing at age 62, the resulting roughly 30% reduction in your benefit rate will continue for as long as both you and your husband are living.
Best, Jerry
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Posted:
December 28, 2017