Ask Terry Questions social security benefits

social security benefits

By Terry Savage on July 10, 2025 | Social Security

Hi Terry, My wife just turned 69 and I will be 67 in December. We want to start collecting her ssa benefits now as they only rise $300/month at 70. My benefit is larger than hers and I want to wait to 70 as mine will rise considerably.
Is there any problem with collecting hers now because she is older than me ? Obviously I don’t wan’t to inadvertently decrease my benefits.
Thank you in advance.

Terry Says

Geez — don’t do that!!! You’ve waited this long, so wait a few months longer! Remember, this is HER benefit, and the future inflation adjustments will be on that higher base. Only if you die will she get YOUR benefit, assuming it is higher than hers.
It’s not the $300/month now — it’s the future payments that will be so much higher. Think long term!

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