Spousal Social Security amount

Tony5658 — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 19:39:37 GMT

My wife (lower wage earner) is 62, I am 65. If she were to take early reduced SS on her earnings now, can she then file to claim the 1/2 of mine she’s entitled to (higher $$ amount) when I decide to begin taking my benefits?

If so, is her “1/2 of my amount”reduced because she filed early? Or does she get an amount equal to a full 1/2 of what my benefit is when I choose to file?

Re: Spousal Social Security amount

Opus 17 — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 20:08:12 GMT

No. The rules changed in 2015, you can't claim against a spouse and delay claiming on your own record. When you apply for benefits, you are deemed to be applying for every possible type of benefit you are eligible for, all at the same time.

Your spouse's benefit at full retirement age would be whatever she is entitled to on her own record, or half your benefit, whichever is larger. If your wife retires early, her benefits will be permanently reduced.

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying7.html#h2

topic Spousal Social Security amount in Retirement tax questions

Spousal Social Security amount

Re: Spousal Social Security amount