I filed at full retirement age 66 yrs old, my wife filed at age 62 we are both over 70 is my wife entitled to half spousal benefits? Both retired!

Hi,

Not exactly. Spousal benefit rates are computed starting with 50% of the worker's full retirement age rate (PIA), and then subtracting the spouse's own PIA. Then, each benefit can be separately reduced for age depending on when the spouse started drawing the benefit.

For example, Jane's full retirement age rate (PIA) is $800, but she starts drawing at age 62 and receives a reduced rate of $600. Jane's husband files for his benefits when Jane is 64, and his PIA is $2000. Jane's unreduced spousal rate would be $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800), but is reduced to $175 because she starts drawing it at age 64. Thus, Jane's combined benefit rate is $775, as opposed to the full $1000 that she could have received if she had waited until FRA to take both benefits.

Best, Jerry