Ask Larry

Will I Need To File For My Wife To Draw From My Account?

When I turn 62 this year will l need to file for my wife she is 69 now what do we need to do to get her to draw from my retirement

Hi,

Your wife couldn't qualify for spousal benefits until you file for and start drawing your Social Security retirement benefits. And, if you file for benefits prior to full retirement age (FRA) both your benefits and any spousal benefits payable on your record could be subject to full or partial withholding if you're working and you earn more than the amount allowed under Social Security's earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html). Furthermore, if you start drawing your benefits at age 62 your benefit rate will be reduced by roughly 28% from the amount that you'd receive if you instead waited until FRA to start drawing.

You and your wife should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully explore and compare all of your options so that you can choose the best possible strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 22 2020 - 8:10am
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