I am asking this question for my sister, who is 74. She has never collected Spousal Social Security benefits, although she and her husband have been married for 50 years. Her husband, who earned more than she did, began taking his Social Security at age 62. She has been told that she is not eligible because he started collecting so early?? I thought you just collect less if you opt to start early. Why should that impact her Spousal Social Security??
She desperately needs the money, so I thank you for your guidance! Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Assuming that your sister's husband is still living, the fact that he started drawing his benefits at age 62 wouldn't have any bearing on your sister's eligibility for spousal benefits. But, she would only be eligible for spousal benefits if 50% of her husband's full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than her own PIA. Your sister might want to double check with Social Security to see if she could be eligible for any additional benefits.

If your sister's husband filed for his benefits at age 62 and he dies before her, then her potential widow's benefit rate would be limited to the higher of a) her husband's reduced benefit rate or b) 82.5% of his PIA. That's part of what's referred to as the RIB-LIM formula used for determining the benefit rate payable to surviving spouses and qualifying ex-spouses. It can also be a major potential drawback to taking Social Security benefits early that is not widely understood, but should definitely be considered when the higher earning member of a couple is deciding on when to start drawing their Social Security retirement benefits.

Best, Jerry