Will taking SS benefits early reduce spousal top-up when wife gets SSDI? Timing confusion

Yes, unfortunately if he takes his own benefits early, his spousal benefit will also be permanently reduced. The spousal benefit top-up is affected by when he files for his own retirement benefits. If he files 14 months before his FRA, both his own benefit and eventual spousal benefit will be permanently reduced. If he can wait until his FRA to file for ANY benefits, he would get his full $1,750 plus any applicable spousal top-up (the difference between his PIA and 50% of hers). But if he files early, everything gets reduced proportionately.

my husbnd took his SS early at 62 and when i started gettin mine at 66 his supplement was reduced. they told us once you take early that reduction is forever no matter what benefits you get later. wish we had known sooner!!!

The previous answers are correct - if he takes his retirement benefit early, his spousal top-up will be permanently reduced. But there's another factor to consider: with a 14-month reduction, he's looking at approximately a 7.8% permanent reduction in benefits. If he can financially swing waiting 14 months, the lifetime value is usually better. However, one key thing to note: Once his wife is approved for SSDI, their minor children (if any) could also be eligible for benefits on her record - up to 50% of her PIA, subject to family maximum limits. That might be something to factor into their financial planning.

I went through this EXACT SAME THING last year with my spouse! Called SSA like 10 TIMES and got different answers every single time!! So frustrating! One rep would say one thing, then the next would contradict them. Finally got someone who knew what they were talking about who confirmed what others here are saying - early filing = permanent reduction on EVERYTHING. The system is designed to PUNISH people who take early benefits no matter what the reason!!! It's ridiculous.

so if your brother in law waits those 14 months would he get more money in the long run??? seems like waiting is usually better my neighbor waited til 70 and gets way more than me

I just spoke with my brother-in-law, and he's wondering about another angle - if he takes his reduced benefit now and then when she gets SSDI, could he withdraw his application (within 12 months) and then reapply? Or would that not work for the spousal benefit situation?

My dad always says dont take SS early if u can help it. But sometimes u need the money now not later! Its all bout ur situation IMO

Another consideration is that your brother-in-law's reduced benefit could actually work out financially depending on their specific circumstances and life expectancy. If he takes benefits 14 months early, he'll get those 14 months of payments that he otherwise wouldn't receive. The breakeven point (where waiting becomes better than taking early) is typically in the early 80s age range. Also important: Once his wife starts receiving SSDI, he could potentially be eligible for the spousal benefit while still delaying his own retirement benefit IF he's already at his full retirement age. But based on your description, he's not yet at FRA, so this option isn't immediately available.

Your brother-in-law's wife's age doesn't affect his spousal benefit calculation. The spousal benefit is based on her PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), which is the benefit amount she would receive at her full retirement age. Since SSDI benefits are equal to 100% of the PIA, her being on SSDI is equivalent to her being FRA for benefit calculation purposes. If they're dealing with a serious illness like MS, they should also consider how her condition might affect their joint life expectancy planning. Sometimes taking benefits earlier makes more sense in these situations, even with the reduction.

Thank you all for the really helpful information. I'm going to share all these insights with my brother-in-law so he can make an informed decision. It sounds like waiting those 14 months would be ideal if he can swing it financially, but I better understand the tradeoffs now. I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain!