Larry,
My wife will be 63 (on Feb 8,1955 ) and is retired. I am 62 (Oct 7,1955) and still employed. I am the higher earner. Can my wife claim SS under my earnings now before I retire or does have to claim it under her SS record.

Hi,

Your wife couldn't qualify for spousal benefits until you start drawing your benefits. If she files for retirement benefits on her own record before you file, she'll also be deemed to have applied for spousal benefits as soon as you start drawing your benefits provided that your full retirement age rate (PIA) is more than twice as much as her PIA. Each benefit would be calculated independently.

For example, say Beth has a full retirement age rate (PIA) of $600 but starts drawing reduced benefits of $475 at age 63. Beth's husband John files for his benefits 3 years later when Beth is full retirement age (FRA). John's PIA is $2000, so Beth's spousal rate is calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of John's PIA. Beth's resulting spousal rate of $400 (i.e. $2000/2 - $600) is unreduced because she was already FRA when she first qualified for spousal benefits. Beth's $400 spousal benefit would then be added to her own reduced retirement rate of $475 to make her combined rate $875.

You and your wife may want to consider using our maximization software in order to fully explore your filing options and determine your best overall strategy for claiming benefits.

Best, Jerry