I am 64. My wife is 63. I am going to work until 67. My wife has 40 credits and is a homemaker now. Can she draw SS now, then increase her SS by applying for spousal benefits when I retire? Thanks

Hi,

Your wife can file for reduced retirement benefits now, but she'll continue to receive reduced benefits even if she later becomes eligible for an additional spousal benefit from your record.

For example, say Jane files for retirement benefits at age 63 and receives a reduced rate of $400 based on her full retirement age rate (PIA) of $500. Her husband John files for his benefits when Jane is 66. John's PIA is $2000, so Jane would be eligible for an additional unreduced spousal benefit of $500 (i.e. 50% of John's PIA minus her own PIA). The $500 excess spousal benefit would then be added to Jane's $400 reduced retirement rate to give her a combined benefit amount of $900.

You and your wife appear to have numerous possible filing options available to you, so you should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to be sure that you choose the best possible filing strategy.

Best, Jerry