Q & A
When should my wife begin Social Security?
Full Question: I am 69 and waiting to take Social Security when I turn 70. My wife is 64 and plans to take hers at 66. We are fairly certain that her share of my benefits would be higher than those based on her own work history. If she were to take benefits earlier on her own account would that reduce the amount she would receive later as my wife when I begin my social security benefits?
Answer: If your wife begins retirement benefits before her full retirement age (FRA) of 66, her benefits will be permanently reduced.
If she elects to receive retirement benefits before her FRA she doesn’t get to pick and choose between her own benefit and a benefit based on your work. She would first get her own benefit and then, if she qualifies, benefits based on your record. The point is she’ll get them both and they will be permanently reduced. Read more…
Source: Scott Halliwell, via USAA, 11/13/2014
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