Ask Larry

Can I Apply For Spousal Benefits?

Hi Larry, this SS issue has me a bit confused. My wife is currently 61 and is no longer working. She worked for the State of Kansas for over 25 years. I am soon to be 65 and play on retiring in when I'm 66 & 6 months my FRA. Not sure what our options are but was curious if any of the following can be applicable.
1) My wife starts collecting her SS benefits at age 62 (2022). Her benefits would be approximately $1,000 per month.
2) Can I apply for spousal benefits under her SS benefits??
3) If I can what effect would that have on my collecting my benefits at my FRA - I'm expecting my FRA benefits at age 66.5 years to be approximately $3,000 per month.
4) would my wife be able to collect spousal benefits under my SS when I elect to start taking benefits when I reach my FRA.
5) Is there a better option for me.
6) considered buying your "maximize my SS benefits" software -

Hi. You can't apply for spousal benefits without also filing for your own benefits at the same time. You could then only be paid essentially the higher of the two benefit rates. Only people born prior to January 2 1954 were allowed to apply just for spousal benefits, and only if they applied at full retirement age (FRA) or later.

Your wife may be able to qualify for an excess spousal benefit in addition to her own benefit when you start collecting your benefits, but only if your primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as her PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Oct 26 2021 - 5:58pm
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