How does your wife get half of your social security?

Answer 1

At her full retirement age your wife is entitled to an amount equal to half of what you are entitled to receive at your full retirement age. (If you're not the same age that full retirement age may not be the same age in years for both of you as it rises from 65 to 68 in the years to come) Benefits your wife receives neither increase nor decrease your retirement benefit from social security. What she gets doesn't change what you get. Your benefit is increased by the delayed retirement credit of 8%/year for each year you delay taking benefits after your full retirement age until age 70, but your wife's available retirement benefit does not change. (Neither of you should delay starting Medicare since that usually incurs a penalty.)