My wife, who is currently 64 (birth date 2/24/52), was going to take her retirement benefit today. She was told by the Social Security office that, if she did this, she would not be eligible for an excess spousal benefit when I applied and took my benefit at age 66 or later (I am currently 62; birth date 1/29/54). I was under the impression that she would get an excess spousal benefit (provided her own benefit at FRA was less than 50% of my benefit at FRA) when I began taking my benefit at age 66 or later. Is she ineligible for the excess spousal benefit if she takes her retirement benefit prior to her FRA? Or is the guidance she received from the SS office incorrect?

Hi,

If your full retirement age benefit rate (PIA) is more than twice as much as your wife's PIA, she would be eligible for an excess spousal benefit on your account when you apply. I'm not sure what the SS rep was talking about when they told you that she wouldn't be. Since she will be over her full retirement age (FRA) when you apply, her excess spousal benefit will be unreduced. However, if she starts her own benefits prior to FRA, her own benefit rate will be reduced, and that reduction will continue for at least as long as both of you are living.

You may wish to consider running the maximization software available on this website before making any final decisions on when to start taking benefits.

Best, Jerry