Ask Larry

When Can My Wife Claim The Full 50% Spousal Benefit From SS?

I am turing 65, m FRA is 66 and plan on supending SS until I am at 67. I will not need Medicare as well until I turn 67. My wife is 63 and will turn 65 at the same time I turn 67. In this way I am mantaining medical insurance up and until she can be on Medicare. Having said this, if I retire at 67 when can she claim the full 50% sposual from SS? She has been a stay at home mom and does not have enough credits to receive any SS on her own.

Hi,

To receive a full spousal benefit equal to 50% of your full retirement age rate, your wife would need to wait until her full retirement age to claim spousal benefits. And, she can only be paid spousal benefits if you are drawing your retirement benefits.

You may want to strongly consider using our maximization software in order to explore and compare your options in order to determine your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 15 2018 - 10:23am
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