follow up question.

Can/Should my spouse collect her SS based on her earning record from now until she is 66 then switch to Spousal Benefits?

Her current benefit is computed $297/month and at 70 $472. Her 50% spousal will be much , much higher.

Fred

Hi Fred,

No, she can't switch to spousal benefits only at age 66. If she starts reduced benefits on her own before full retirement age (FRA), the reduction she'd take is permanent. So, she can start reduced benefits on her own prior to FRA, but at the price of a lower monthly benefit rate for as long as both of you are living.

Say for example her age 66 retirement rate is $357, but she starts now at $297. That $60 reduction will continue even if she becomes eligible for an unreduced excess spousal benefit at age 66. If half of your full retirement age rate was $1000, for example, her unreduced excess spousal benefit would be $643 (i.e. $1000 - $357), which would then be added to her own reduced benefit of $297. So, her total benefit rate in this example would be $940 instead of the $1000 she'd get if she waited until FRA to start drawing.

Best, Jerry