Monterey, CA Social Security Policy For Spouses Who Haven’t Worked

The November 2020 issue of Kiplinger’s Retirement Report (page 18) went over some of the tricky parts of Social Security.  One reader wrote in and asked when his wife can receive benefits and how much will she get given that she has not worked and, therefore, has not paid anything into the Social Security Fund.  The answer?  Like anyone else, she can start receiving benefits starting at the age of 62.  If she does, she would get 33.5% of her husband’s full retirement benefit.  However, if she waits until her full retirement age, she will receive 50% of his benefits.