Ask Larry

Can My Wife Take Benefits From My Social Security At Age 62 If I'm Not Collecting My Social Security?

Can my wife take benefits from my social security at 62 if I am not collecting my social security?

Hi. The only way that your wife could be paid benefits for months that you aren't collecting your benefits is if a) you've applied for and been approved for Social Security retirement or disability benefits, and b) your benefits are suspended for reasons other than your work and earnings. For example, the spouse of a worker who is entitled to Social Security benefits but whose benefits are suspended because they are in prison could potentially be paid spousal benefits even though the worker's benefits are suspended (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305.html).

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Feb 22 2022 - 6:29am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.