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OK, this is how the 50% spousal benefit works. Assume I am FRA and my ex is also FRA. I file for my Social Security benefit at 66. They look at both benefits, my full benefit and 1/2 my ex spouse's benefit and pay me the higher amount.
So let's say my ex husband's is $2,000 and mine is $900. 1/2 of his is $1,000, which is higher than my full so they will pay me his 50% benefit. Now let's say that his is $2,000 and mine is $1200. 1/2 of his is $1,000 which is less than my full, ($1200) so they will pay me on my own record and not 50% of his.
another option if you are both FRA you can CHOOSE to receive half of his and let yours grow, or he could do that on yours, but not both of you.
Also as to survivor benefit question. the spouse would recieve what the deceased spouse was getting MINUS a percentage based on the widow/ers age. If the widow/er is FRA then yes they would receive the full amount the deceased was receiving, including any extra credits, if any were earned.
One more question: if my wife takes spousal benefits at 62, but I don't die until she reaches FRA, will her survivor benefits be reduced because she took spousal benefits early?
No, her survivor benefits will not be reduced if she has reached FRA.
OK, this is how the 50% spousal benefit works. Assume I am FRA and my ex is also FRA. I file for my Social Security benefit at 66. They look at both benefits, my full benefit and 1/2 my ex spouse's benefit and pay me the higher amount.
So let's say my ex husband's is $2,000 and mine is $900. 1/2 of his is $1,000, which is higher than my full so they will pay me his 50% benefit. Now let's say that his is $2,000 and mine is $1200. 1/2 of his is $1,000 which is less than my full, ($1200) so they will pay me on my own record and not 50% of his.
Not if you file a restricted application at FRA. SSA will not even look at your earnings record if you are not applying for benefits on your own record.
Here's a nice example of this strategy, see page 14 at link (page 13 of pdf).
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