Full question: If my wife claims Social Security at age 62 (based on my earning as I am high earner), will she get full survivor benefits at her full retirement age.

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out.

If your wife claims Social Security spousal benefits at age 62 based on your earnings as the higher earner, she will receive a reduced amount because she is claiming before her full retirement age (FRA). However, she will be eligible for full survivor benefits if she waits until her FRA to claim them, even if she started receiving spousal benefits early.

Please note that the amount she receives as a spousal benefit at age 62 will not affect the amount of survivor benefits she is eligible for at her FRA.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.

For personalized support, work is an RSSA here.

Take care,
Martha and team

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