Social Security

[John Distler]

I am 65 and my full retirement age is 66 & 8 months.  My wife is 63 and full retirement age is 67.  Her spousal benefit would be greater then her own SS.

I plan on taking SS at 66 & 8 months, my wife would not be at FRA.  Can she take 1/2 of my SS when I begin?  If so, can she change to a higher benefit when she hits FRA?  Thank you.

[OCrawford]

@John Distler 

Hello,

Only if your spouse is not yet receiving retirement benefits. In this case, you can claim your own Social Security beginning at 62 and make the switch to spousal benefits when your husband or wife files. Social Security will not pay the sum of your retirement and spousal benefits; you’ll get a payment equal to the higher of the two benefits.

If your spouse is already getting Social Security when you claim benefits, you are subject to the “deemed filing” rule. Under this provision, you don’t have a choice whether to wait and switch. When you apply for your retirement benefit, you’re also automatically deemed to be applying for spousal benefits, if you're entitled to them. Again, Social Security will pay the greater of the two benefit amounts.

Thank you,

[John Distler]

Thank you.  I plan on taking SS at FRA 66 & 8  months, I am 65 now.  My wife is 63.  Can she take her own SS now at 63 with a FRA at 67 and then switch to spousal benefit when I take SS?