Understanding how Social Security spousal benefits work is crucial for maximizing your household’s retirement income.
If you’re wondering whether your spouse can increase her Social Security benefits after you claim yours, the answer depends on several factors, including her age, your age, and the timing of your claims.
How Spousal Benefits Work?
A spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at their Full Retirement Age (FRA).
However, this amount can be reduced if the spouse claims benefits before reaching their own FRA. It’s important to note that spousal benefits do not increase by delaying beyond FRA; therefore, there’s no advantage in postponing spousal benefits past this age.
Eligibility Criteria
For your spouse to receive spousal benefits:
- Age Requirement: She must be at least 62 years old.
- Your Claim Status: You must have filed for your own Social Security benefits.
If your spouse has her own Social Security benefit based on her work record, she will receive her benefit first. If the spousal benefit is higher, she will receive an additional amount to bring her total benefit up to the spousal benefit amount.
Impact of Claiming Ages
- Claiming Before FRA: If your spouse begins receiving spousal benefits before reaching her FRA, the benefit will be reduced. For example, claiming at age 62 could reduce the spousal benefit to as low as 32.5% of your PIA.
- Claiming at FRA: By waiting until her FRA, your spouse can receive the full spousal benefit, which is 50% of your PIA.
Strategies to Maximize Benefits
- Delayed Retirement Credits: While your own benefits increase by 8% per year if you delay claiming past your FRA up to age 70, these delayed retirement credits do not increase your spouse’s spousal benefits. Therefore, her spousal benefit is maximized when she reaches her FRA, regardless of whether you delay your benefits past your FRA.
- Coordinated Claiming: To optimize total household benefits, consider the following:
- Higher-Earning Spouse: Delaying your own benefits until age 70 can increase your monthly benefit and, subsequently, the survivor benefit for your spouse.
- Lower-Earning Spouse: Your spouse can claim her own reduced retirement benefit as early as age 62 and switch to the higher spousal benefit when you claim your benefits. This strategy provides some income early on while maximizing future benefits.
Recent Legislative Changes
As of December 2024, the Social Security Fairness Act has been passed, repealing provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for individuals receiving certain public pensions.
This change may increase benefits for some retirees, but it does not directly impact the structure of spousal benefits.
Conclusion
Your spouse can potentially increase her Social Security benefits by coordinating the timing of her claim with yours. By understanding the rules surrounding spousal benefits and strategically planning your claims, you can maximize your household’s Social Security income.
It’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor or the Social Security Administration to tailor a plan that best fits your circumstances.
Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
