I received SS disability which converted to regular SS when I turned 65, I'm now 68 my benefit is $1900 a month. My spouse will be 66 this month and filing in January 2018. His benefit amount will be approx $2600. My question can I apply for spousal benefits to increase my benefit to match his?

Hi,

No. A full spousal benefit is equal to 50% of the worker's full retirement age rate (PIA), and since your own benefit rate is well over 50% of your spouse's PIA you wouldn't be eligible for spousal benefits.

Thank you for taking my question
I waited until age 70 to collect my social security partly because my wife who is born in 1953 could still apply for half of my social security benefits when she will reach 66 FRA next March. I was hoping that she would get half of $ 1100 which is my delayed benefits but the social security agent told me that would get only $ 428 which is half of my social security benefits at 66 and not of the delayed benefits. I got your boook but didn't see that.
Thanks
John

Hi John,

If I take a restricted application for spousal benefits on my wife (at fra) and then start collecting my own retirement benefit at 70 will my wife then be able to collect her spousal benefit if her retirement benefit is less than half of mine?

thanks
wk

Hi wk,

Maybe. In the scenario you describe, your wife's spousal benefit would be calculated by subtracting her full retirement age rate (PIA) from 50% of your PIA. That excess (if any) would then be added to the retirement rate that she is already receiving on her own record.

I filed at full retirement age 66 yrs old, my wife filed at age 62 we are both over 70 is my wife entitled to half spousal benefits? Both retired!

Hi,

Not exactly. Spousal benefit rates are computed starting with 50% of the worker's full retirement age rate (PIA), and then subtracting the spouse's own PIA. Then, each benefit can be separately reduced for age depending on when the spouse started drawing the benefit.

Hello Larry and Associates -

My wife turned 64 this month and is considering filing for her SS benefits early. Her FRA benefit is $819. I turned 67 in April of this year and, last April before the deadline, I filed and suspended my SS benefits. I intend to wait until age 70 to restart them. My FRA benefit is $2190. SSA has told her that she could receive $959/month beginning in December of this year. These benefits are based on her work record but also include spousal benefits from my work record. I have two questions.

I have one question about spousal benefit. If I choose early withdrawal of age 62, will my spouse who does not have her own contribution, at her age of full retirement will get 50% of my full benefit or only 50% of reduced benefit as I started withdrawing at age 62? My plan is for her not to take spousal benefit at 62 but her full retirement age.

Please clarify and eventually when I start taking benefit I will join your maximize subscription.

Thanks
Regards
Venkatraman

Hi Venkatraman,

Hi - Both spouses were born in 1952. Let's say the wife files at full retirement age and the husband files a restricted application and takes spousal benefits. Later on, when the husband reaches 70 and takes his own benefits, can the wife switch to spousal benefits if it is higher?

Hi,

I am going to turn 62 on Jan 2019 and considering to take social security benefits at minimum retirement age of 62 and 6 months. We both are US citizens by naturalization. My wife has been a home maker and do not have her own contribution and her birth date is 09/12/1963. When she turns minimum retirement age, can she also avail spousal benefits while I still receive my social security benefits?

Some people say she can only receive after my demise . is that true? Please calirify

Thanks
Venkatraman

Hi Venkatraman,

if one gets married after they are receiving retirement benefits, can their spouse receive spousal benefits, or must one be married prior to applying for benefits?

Hi,

Yes, a new spouse can potentially become entitled to spousal benefits even if they marry after their spouse began receiving Social Security benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305.html).

Best, Jerry

Hi Larry,
Hope you weekend is going well. I have two questions.
Will appreciate your help greatly:

1. I turned 67 year old in July 2017. If I start taking my social security $ in Jan 2018, how much my wife will get as her spousal benefits.

My wife will turn 66 this month, Nov, 2017. But she started taking her social security benefits @ 62 years age.

The specific question is whether she will get of half of my social security amount or any other amout. Please advise.