Larry,
Thanks for answering my general question. To help me get a better understanding, I would like to use actual numbers. My wife is 66 and has been receiving her own benefit since age 63. Her reduced benefit is $585 and her full PIA is $726. I am 62 and my reduced benefit would be $2175 and full PIA of $2775. Using these numbers how would I calculate my wife's excess spousal benefit if I filed right now?
Thanks for the help with the math.

Hi,

Larry,
My is 66(9/13/50) and is receiving her own SS, which she began taking at 63. I am 62(12/11/54), not receiving any SS. I am trying to determine when to apply to for my SS to max mine and her spousal benefits total dollars over the long haul Will ur program help with this or does someone know the equation used by SS to calculate excess spousal benefits for my wife. I know my full PIA as well as my wife's full PIA.
Can u help me with this calculation?
Thanks

Hi,

I have been reading all of your questions and answers about SS benefits, and I decided to ask you one of my own, because I can't find a similar questions. I am 78 and started collecting SS when I was 62. My husband is 68 and he, also, started collecting when he was 62. We own a business (both still working), but it took a drastic downturn several years ago, and taking SS early helped us through this situation. We are both in excellent health and plan to continue working for at least 2 more years.

My wife claimed her SS benefit at 64 and I took my spousal SS benefit at the same time. When I decide to claim my full SS benefits, will my wife's benefit be the same or will hers revert to a spousal benefit (1/2 of mine)? Thank you!

Hi,

That depends on your relative benefit rates. Your wife will continue to get her own reduced retirement benefit when you file on your own record. But, if 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your wife's PIA, she could also receive the difference in those amounts as an excess spousal benefit.

I am 65 years old and am thinking of delaying my retirement benefit application until age 70. The benefit estimate for me is f $2715.00 at FRA and $3584.00 at age 70.
My wife collects retirement benefits on her own record. She started benefits at her FRA. and collects $1556.20 ( before Medicare premium deductions).
Will my wife benefit, when I start collecting at age 70 be calculated as: the higher of her then current benefit amount or 50% of $3584.00?

Hi,

Both me and my husband will both be 63 this may 2017. I would like to know if I can received spouse benefits which are higher then my benedits, M y husband plans to collect at 70. Do i have to wait until his full retirement age of 66 collect on his benefits, or can I collect now under spousal benefits?

Hi,

Hello: I am 64 years of age, soon 65, born in 1952. I have been receiving SSDI for several years. I am legally separated and soon after qualifying my husband retired, now age 70, and collects his social security. He receives almost exactly twice as much as my SSDI. Wondering if I can receive more from him now and or at his death. I expect to out live him as I am in better health, younger and my disability is hearing loss, I am so confused and have received different answers after calls to Social Security Office. Thank you!

Hi,

I am eligible and understand the principles of Restricted Application for Social Security benefits. However, I need to confirm the exact month to file for those benefits either online or in person.

Do I need to wait until I actually obtain FRA (66 years, July 2017) to claim my spousal
benefits?

Or can I apply during the typically recommended 3 month window prior to FRA with the same result and not being defaulted into benefits based on my record ?

Can this all be done online or must I do it in person?

Hi,

Age 76. Took SS at 62. Recently married my Mexican girlfriend (2/10/2017). We had been living together for 19 yrs.

I turn 70 in July 2017 and my wife turns 66 in May 2017. She will file and restrict her application for Spousal Benefits. Will her benefit be half of what I would have got at 66 if I filed or will it be based on the amount I get at 70.

Hi,