Ask Larry

How Much Will My Spousal Benefit Be?

My husband started his Social Security benefit at age 70 so gets a 35% increase in his benefit by waiting. I am 68 and have applied to get half of his benefit. Do I get half of the larger benefit at his age of 70 or do I just get half of his benefit if he didn't delay his benefits?

Hi,

Assuming that you aren't already receiving benefits on your own record, your spousal benefit will be 50% of your husband's full retirement age rate (PIA), not 50% of his age 70 rate inclusive of delayed retirement credits (DRC). However, if your husband dies before you, you could receive his full benefit rate inclusive of DRCs. By the way, the actual increase that your husband will receive by waiting until age 70 to start drawing is 32%, not 35%.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Feb 9 2017 - 7:30am
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