My wife has been collecting social security benefits since age 62, in 2012. I am 65 and not planning on filing until FRA. Am I eligible to draw a benefit off her record now while I am waiting on my own FRA?

Thank you,

Dennis

Hi Dennis,

If you file for spousal benefits prior to reaching your full retirement age (FRA), you'll be deemed to also be applying for your own benefits. You would then only receive essentially the higher of the two rates, and your benefit amount would be reduced for age.

If you were born prior to January 2 1954, what you could do instead is file just for spousal benefits only when you reach FRA. You could then let your own benefit rate continue to grow until you reach age 70. You may want to strongly consider using our software to fully explore and compare all of your options so that you can choose the best possible strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry