Dear Liz: I’m about to turn 75. My wife is 67. I started collecting Social Security at age 70. My benefit is on the low side but I also get a union monthly pension. My wife is still working and planning to file for her Social Security benefit at 70, and she may get three times my amount. Is there a provision where I could be collecting a higher amount now based on her earnings?
Answer: Your wife would have to apply for her benefit before you would be eligible for a spousal benefit based on her work record. Once she applies, your spousal benefit would be 50% of her “primary insurance amount” — which is the benefit she would get at her full retirement age. For someone born in 1955, the full retirement age is 66 years and 2 months.
If she did apply now, your benefit might increase but she would miss out on the delayed retirement credits that would increase her checks by 8% for each year she puts off applying until age 70.
Generally, it’s a good idea for the person with the larger benefit to delay applying as long as possible, since it’s their check that determines what the survivor gets. But there are always exceptions, so you’d be smart to research your options. Social Security Solutions and Maximize My Social Security can help you model different claiming strategies, or you could discuss your situation with a financial planner.