Q & A
Collecting Spousal Benefits - Impact on Future Benefits 2
Full Question: My wife is 67 and started drawing at her Full Retirement Age (FRA) of 66. I am 63 and have not retired yet. If I were to retire before my FRA (66 as well) and she claimed spousal benefits would she then get a total of hers and mine equal to half of my maximum?
Answer: No. She cannot. She can get her retirement or a spousal benefit if larger but not both. Keep in mind that if you file before your FRA, you will be deemed to have started your retirement benefits early and your benefits will be permanently reduced.
Source: Dan Moisand, MarketWatch.com - January 17, 2014
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