Ask Larry

Is There Anything I Can Do To Increase My Benefit Rate?

I took spousal benefits at age 62 and am now getting only about 1/3 of my spouse’s benefits. We are both in our 70s now. Is there anything that can be done to increase that amount?

Hi,

Probably not. I can't say for certain, though, since I don't know the full facts of your case. You might want to check with Social Security to see if you are receiving all of the benefits to which you could be entitled.

If you had waited until full retirement age to start drawing your spousal benefits, your benefit rate would have been 50% of your spouse's full retirement age rate (PIA). However, since you started drawing at age 62, the resulting roughly 30% reduction in your benefit rate will continue for as long as both you and your husband are living.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Dec 28 2017 - 4:45pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.