Ask Larry

What Is Our Best Strategy?

My wife is almost 64 and 4 years older than me with an FRA of 66.5. My FRA is 67. I was going to wait until 70 to file. What is our best strategy? I’m the main earner. Thank you!

Hi. One possibility would be for your wife to apply for her benefits at full retirement age (FRA), and for you to file for your benefits at age 70. Whether or not that's a good plan, however, depends on your and your wife's comparative benefit rates.

By waiting until age 70 to claim your benefits you would be providing your wife with the highest possible survivor rate if you die before her. But, she couldn't qualify for spousal benefits at least until you start drawing your benefits. Your wife won't qualify for spousal benefits anyway, though, unless your primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as her own PIA.

Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) was designed to help people like you and your wife. Using the software would allow you and your wife to fully analyze all of the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 22 2021 - 4:13pm
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