Full question: Hi Martha, I started my Social Security at 62 (am now 63) and took the reduced amount. My wife (62) is considering applying for spousal benefits as she has not contributed much to Social Security. Does she qualify for half of the full retirement benefit that I would have received at 67 (minus a penalty for taking it early)? That is how I’m reading the SS web site. Thanks in advance for your response! 

Hi there,

Your wife can indeed apply for spousal benefits based on your Social Security record. However, since she is applying before her full retirement age (FRA), the benefit amount will be reduced. The spousal benefit is generally up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s (your) primary insurance amount (PIA) if collected at their FRA. If spousal benefits are taken early, they will be reduced.

For example, if your wife’s FRA is 67 and she applies at 62, she would be applying 60 months early. The reduction for spousal benefits taken at 62 would be only 32.5% of your PIA, not 50%.

Please note that the amount she receives as a spousal benefit will not be half of what you would have received at 67, but rather half of your PIA, reduced for her early claiming.

I hope this helps. For personalized support, you can work with an RSSA here.

Warmly,
Martha

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