Ask Larry

Am I Eligible For Spousal Benefits When I Reach FRA?

Hi Larry,
My husband began collecting SS at FRA ( Born in 1953). He is currently 69. I am 65 and decided I will wait to begin receiving my SS benefit until Age 70. Am I eligible for a spousal benefit amount when I reach FRA at 66 1/2? If so is it 50% until I begin receiving my own SS at age 70? Thanks!

Hi. Probably not. You certainly couldn't claim spousal benefits at full retirement age (FRA) and wait until age 70 to claim your own benefits. Since you were born after January 1 1954, if you applied for spousal benefits you'd also be required to apply for your own benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/claiming.html). That means that the only way you could qualify for spousal benefits is if your primary insurance amount (PIA) is less than half as much as your husband's PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits FRA.

It sounds like you may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your various options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Sep 7 2022 - 5:04pm
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