Ask Larry

Can I Take Spouse's Benefits If My Wife Reinstates Her Retirement Benefit?

My wife turned 66 in June 2016 and has filed and suspended. If she starts taking her benefit now, can I take half of hers when I turn 66 in December '16 and suspend taking my benefit until age 70?
When she is 70 can she stop taking hers and take half of mine as that would be more than all of her benefit?
Thanks

John,
Yes, if your wife reinstates her retirement benefit on or before Dec 2016, then you can take your spouse's benefit off of her record in Dec 2016. You can then delay taking your retirement benefit off of your own record until you are 70, at which time she can switch to her spouse's benefit if it is larger than her retirement benefit. Her spouse's benefit is one half of your full retirement age retirement benefit, not half of your increased benefit.
Best,
Mike

Posted: 
Jul 3 2016 - 7:30pm
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