Ask Larry

Will My Age 70 Social Security Benefit Be Reduced Due To Changes In The Full Retirement Age?

Larry I turn 68 January 2021 I was planning on waiting until age 70 to start drawing my Social Security. I currently receive 1/2 of my wife's small benefit. She retired at 62. My question is will my age 70 Social Security benefit be reduced due to all these changes of Full retirement Age?
Thank you

Hi,

No, your own Social Security retirement benefit amount won't be reduced as a result of the fact that you've been drawing spousal benefits. Nothing has changed with regard to Social Security regulations that would affect your ability to wait and claim your full age 70 rate when you reach that age. Your full retirement age (FRA) is 66, so if you wait until age 70 to start drawing your own benefits then you'll receive 4 full years of delayed retirement credits (DRC). That will make your benefit rate 32% higher than if you'd started drawing your own benefits at FRA.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 17 2020 - 9:12am
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