Larry, My Wife will be FRA in December 2017, I will be FRA in April 2018. My WIfe's SS at FRA is $950/mo. Mine at FRA is $2700. Based on your columns, I think she can file for SS in Dec and get $950/mo. Then, in April 2018, I can file and get $2700/mo. ALSO, since the ESB is (2700 / 2) = 1350 minus her 950 = $400. She can file for ESB and get and ADDITIONAL $400 or $1350 per month starting in April 2018 WITHOUT me losing any of my $2700 / mo. benefit. Am I understanding ESB correctly?

Lee

Hi Lee,

Yes, the scenario you describe is one possible option, but you may instead want to consider filing just for spousal benefits on your wife's record at FRA and allow your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. That would increase your benefit rate on your own record by 32%, which would also increase your wife's potential widow's rate by the same amount in the event you die first. But, your wife wouldn't be able to receive her excess spousal benefit until you start drawing benefits on your own record.

You and your wife should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to compare your filing options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry