My wife is 61 and I am 60. My wife is planning on taking Social Security at 62. I want to take Social Security (SS) at 66 yrs and 2 months (full retirement age). Can she switch from her own SS benefits to spousal benefits when I take SS ?Spousal benefits are higher than her own individual SS. If I wait to 70 years of age, can she switch then to spousal benefits?

Hi,

No, she can't switch, but she could potentially qualify for an excess spousal benefit when you file. She would keep any reduction that she took on her own account, which would be about 25% if she starts at age 62. The excess spousal benefit would be calculated starting with 1/2 of your full retirement age benefit amount (PIA), then subtracting your wife's own PIA. Assuming the result is positive and she is at least full retirement age when she becomes eligible for the excess spousal benefit, this excess would be paid in addition to her own reduced retirement benefit.

Best, Jerry