Spousal benefit (55, social security, years, married)

[tom1944]

My wife is 6 months older than I am and because of health issues does not have a solid work history to collect social security on her own record.


If I retire at 62 does she get to collect on mine or do we need to wait until full retirement age?

[oldsoldier1976]

Originally Posted by tom1944

My wife is 6 months older than I am and because of health issues does not have a solid work history to collect social security on her own record.


If I retire at 62 does she get to collect on mine or do we need to wait until full retirement age?

You haven't told us much but based upon what I read you would be better served visiting your local SS office for starters. Also both at the same time get yourselves each an account at this site.

https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.do

it will have many of the answers that you haven't given us questions for. That site is probably your first and best start.

[mathjak107]

Originally Posted by tom1944

My wife is 6 months older than I am and because of health issues does not have a solid work history to collect social security on her own record.


If I retire at 62 does she get to collect on mine or do we need to wait until full retirement age?

if she has any work history at all then she gets her own early benefit no matter how small .

then when you file if if 1/2 your full is more than her full she gets that difference added to her benefit . it will be less than 1/2 your benefit if she files before her fra.

she can only collect that adder if you file too .

you just hve to married the required amount of years for spousal benefits .

has she looked in to disability at all ?