My client and his spouse were born in 1950 and 1953 respectively. When I run the Maximizer, I wonder why wife’s benefits are less than half the husband’s benefits?
My client and his spouse were born in 1950 and 1953 respectively. When I run the Maximizer, I wonder why wife’s benefits are less than half the husband’s benefits?
In this case, wife’s spousal benefits will be less than half of her husband’s benefits. The reason is her husband’s benefits will get bumped up by the delayed retirement credit because his benefits are starting after his full retirement age. However, spousal benefits max out at half of what the husband would be eligible for at his full retirement age. That’s why spousal benefits are less than half of her husband’s benefits.