Ask Larry

Would There Be A Reduction In The Spousal Rate If My Wife Is FRA When I File?

My wife filed for SS at age 64. I'm 63 and have not filed. I'm aware of the deemed provision but since I've not filed yet would there be a reduction in the 50% calculation if I waited until she was FRA before I filed?
I'm not sure but I think if I were to file before her FRA it would reduce her spousal portion to whatever percentage reduction based on her age at the time I file.

Hi,

If you were born after January 1 1954, you couldn't file for spousal benefits without also filing for retirement benefits on your own record. In that event you could only receive essentially the higher of those 2 rates, and your benefit rate would be reduced if you start drawing before full retirement age (FRA).

If you were born before January 2 1954, you would have the option of filing just for spousal benefits only at FRA and allowing your own benefit rate to grow until age 70.

If your wife qualifies for additional spousal benefits when you file for your retirement benefits her spousal rate will be unreduced if she is at least FRA at the time she starts drawing the spousal benefits. This is true whether or not you file for reduced benefits. However, the reduction for age that your wife took for starting her retirement benefits early will continue.

You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to analyze your options and determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Oct 20 2017 - 5:53am
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