Ask Larry

Can My Wife Get Spousal Benefits At Age 62 And Then Switch To Her Own Record At FRA?

I started collecting SS at age 62{ 2015} at age 63 I qualified for SS disability benefit{ 2016}. My wife turns 62 in March 2017. Can she collect half of my benefit at 62 until she reaches 66 her full retirement age and then collect her full amount.

Hi,

No. Whenever your wife files for either spousal benefits or retirement benefits on her own account, she'll be deemed to have filed for both benefits, and she'll essentially only receive the higher of the two. And, if she files prior to full retirement age (FRA), her benefits will be reduced for age. The earlier she starts drawing, the more the reduction.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Nov 27 2016 - 5:45pm
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