Disparity in age and earned wages

Thank you for doing this for us.

I'm 7 years older than my husband and the lower wage earner. Our plan is to have me do Social Security at 67 (my FRA) and for him to delay to 70.
If he's still working, is he eligible for a spouse benefit (50% of my benefit)?
Are we allowed to do that and then switch over to his (much higher) benefit when he turns 70?

288

Employee Tax Expert

Jul 15, 2021 9:28:30 AM

Hi LJS1138

I hope that your day is going great!

I have reviewed your question so let me reframe to make sue that we are on the same page:

You are 67 and ready to retire
You will soon be receiving your Social Security Benefits
You husband will continue work for another 10 years
Based on this scenario as he works is he entitled to receive a 50% spousal social security Benefit?

To answer your question based on the scenario presented:

When a worker files for retirement benefits, the worker's spouse may be eligible for a benefit based on the worker's earnings
That spouse must be age 62
The spousal benefit can be as much as 50% primary insurance amount
If your spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," he will receive a reduced benefit.
When your spouse is eligible for retirement his Social Security benefits will be base on his earnings

Here is what I recommend: Access the Benefits for Spouses calculator on

https://www.ssa.gov/oact/quickcalc/spouse.html

and complete the simple electronic calculation

If you require additional explanation please reach out to our Mint or Turbotax Live professionals for additional information

Lastly, thank you for being a part of this forum.

All the best!!

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Disparity in age and earned wages