09 May My wife is 51 and I’m 70. Can she get my Social Security?

Q. Can you tell me if my wife is entitled to a spousal benefit from Social Security if I’m 70 years old and collecting Social Security. She is 51 and doesn’t have enough credits to collect on her own. If she can, how much would it be and when can she collect it?
— Hubby

A. Given your wife’s age, she’s going to have to wait.

But depending on the specifics, she could absolutely be eligible to collect benefits on your record with Social Security.

If you have been married for 10 years or more, your wife would be entitled to half of your benefit, said Jody D’Agostini, a certified financial planner with The Falcon Financial Group in Morristown.

“The earliest that she could collect it is at her age 62, but then it would be a reduced benefit,” D’Agostini said.

The maximum benefit would be if she waits and collects at age 67.

“She would get half of your full retirement age benefit, plus the cost-of-living increases,” D’Agostini said. “If she collects between the ages of 62 and 67, she will receive a reduced benefit.”

It’s also important to know that if you predecease her, as long as she otherwise qualifies, she could still receive your full benefit.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in May 2024.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.