Social Security Question

[BooBoo]

Do I understand this correctly?

Background information:

I am the high earner age 56. DW age 59, has a smaller benefit from social security.

We were planning on DW starting SS early at age 62 based on her benefit. I was planning on waiting until my FRA to commence benefits. After I filed at FRA, she would “refile” based on my benefit and be able to take 50% based on my eligibility.


Is this assumption correct or will she receive a reduced amount of my half because she opted for and early withdrawal at 62? If this is the case, I suppose it would be better for her to wait until her FRA to withdrawal from her earning? Or does she qualify at age 66 based on my earning even though I have not yet filed?

Thanks for your input.

[ronocnikral]

Your wife cannot collect on your record until you reach an age which you can collect SS (age 62). I actually believe you have to file for SS and then suspend benefits when you reach 62.

If your DW decides to collect on your record (by waiting until you reach 62), everything is based on your PIA. So, if she is FRA, she gets your FRA benefit @ 50%, as long as you are eligible to receive benefits. See section 724.1 (d).

I don't believe they would allow your wife to refile to collect on your record once she has elected to collect on her's. I could be wrong (and I hope so since my DW is 5 yrs older than me).

[Brett_Cameron]

See Chapter 3: SSA Handbook, Chapter 3
Your spouse is eligible for insurance benefits on her record once she has attained age 62. She is entitled to insurance benefit once she has become eligible and filed for benefits on her own record. See http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/...book-0300.html

Your spouse is eligible for spousal benefits on your record once you become age 62 and are eligible and she has attained age 62. She is entitled to insurance benefit once she has filed for benefits on your record and you have filed for benefits on your own record (even if you suspend payments). see http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/...book-0305.html

In both cases, when she files for benefits on her own record and later when she files for spousal benefit on your record, if she is less than her FRA, then her benefits will be reduced. See http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/...ook-toc07.html

[pb4uski]

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