Ask Larry

Can My Wife File For Reduced Benefits On Her Own, Then Unreduced Spousal Benefits?

MY wife is 58 an d I am 67. At 66 I decided not to take my benefits until I reach 70. In 4 years when my wife is 62 can she get her SS Benefit (which will be only $ 225.00 per month) and then change over to 1/2 of my benefit (about $ 1150.00 per month) when she turns 66 yrs 8 mo? Thank You

Hi,

No, she can't. Whenever she files for either retirement benefits on her own or spousal benefits, her application will be deemed to be an application for both benefits (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/links/02052016024404PM).

If she files at her full retirement age (FRA), both benefits will be unreduced and her total benefit will equal one-half of your full retirement age benefit (PIA). If she starts drawing before FRA, both benefits will be reduced.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 28 2016 - 10:15am
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