I am 63 and have not filed for social security benefits. My wife is 68 and is collecting a reduced benefit starting when she was 62. Is she eligible for a spousal benefit based upon my full retirement age now while I am 63?

Thank you.

Hi,

You must be drawing your retirement benefits in order for your wife to potentially be eligible for an excess spousal benefit on your record. And, she could only be eligible for additional spousal benefits on your record if 50% of your full retirement age benefit rate (PIA) is higher than her own PIA (i.e. the amount she would be receiving if she had filed for her retirement benefits at full retirement age instead of at age 62).

You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to determine which filing strategy would be best for you and your wife.

Best, Jerry