Ask Larry

What Is Our Best Option?

I will turn 65 in October 2018. My Wife will be 63 in August 2018. We are healthy and I have maximized my social security contribution much of my working career. I am planning to wait until 70 to start collecting my SS benefit. My wife was a stay at home mom and has worked sporadically over 45 years. Questions:
Is it better for her to take a spousal payment when I defer my benefit, or when she gets to FRA?
Or,
Should we not do anything until she reaches FRA and then take her SS benefit based on her work and me apply for spousal benefit until I reach 70?
Or,
Is there a better option???
Thank you!

Hi,

Your wife couldn't receive spousal benefits from your record until you actually start drawing your benefits, so the first option you mentioned isn't viable.

It might be best for your wife to file for her benefits when you reach your full retirement age of 66, which would allow you to draw spousal benefits for 4 years while letting your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. That's just an educated guess based on the limited information in your question, though, so you should strongly consider using our maximization software in order to compare your options and determine the best overall strategy for you and your wife.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Feb 2 2018 - 2:43pm
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