My wife born in 1957 started collecting SS at 62 from her own contribution. I will start collecting next year at my full age requirement 66+. When I do start collecting will my wife’s SS automatically go up because she is receiving less than half of what my benefit will be?

Hi,

No, your wife won't automatically start drawing spousal benefits when you start drawing your benefits. Your wife will need to file an application for spousal benefits even though, technically, she was deemed to also be applying for spousal benefits when she applied for her own benefits.

Your wife will only qualify for spousal benefits, by the way, if 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than her own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). If 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than your wife's PIA, her unreduced excess spousal rate will be equal to the difference between her PIA and 50% of your PIA. However, that amount will be reduced for age if she qualifies for the excess spousal benefit prior to her FRA. Any excess spousal benefits for which she qualifies will then be paid in addition to her own reduced retirement benefit rate.

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing benefits.

Best, Jerry