If I take a restricted application for spousal benefits on my wife (at fra) and then start collecting my own retirement benefit at 70 will my wife then be able to collect her spousal benefit if her retirement benefit is less than half of mine?

thanks
wk

Hi wk,

Maybe. In the scenario you describe, your wife's spousal benefit would be calculated by subtracting her full retirement age rate (PIA) from 50% of your PIA. That excess (if any) would then be added to the retirement rate that she is already receiving on her own record.

Best, Jerry