I'm 55 and the high PIA individual. I'd like to claim social security benefits at 70. My spouse is soon turning 66 and has a significantly lower PIA. Can my spouse claim retirement benefits at 66 and later, when I claim benefits at 70, switch to the much more attractive spousal benefits? I bought your very good book and thought I read that once you claim the retirement benefits you can't later switch to spousal benefits. The age difference seems to make spousal benefits from me out of reach or at least very difficult. Do you have any insight on how I might be able to offer spousal benefits to my spouse in this context? Thanks.

Hi,

Your wife couldn't switch from retirement to spousal benefits, but she could potentially qualify for additional spousal benefits when you file.

For example, say Bill's PIA (primary insurance amount) is $2000 and his wife Sally's PIA is $500. Sally files for her retirement benefits at full retirement age and receives her full PIA of $500 monthly. 15 years later, Bill files for his retirement benefits and Sally files for spousal benefits on Bill's record. Sally's spousal benefit would be calculated as 50% of Bill's PIA minus her own PIA, or $500 (i.e. $2000/2 - $500). Sally would then be paid both benefits, or a combined monthly amount of $1000.

Best, Jerry