My wife of 25 years is seven years younger than me. If I retire at 70 and her at 63, can we each draw social security (we both qualify) at the same time? If I die first, can she stop collecting hers and get mine as a spousal death benefit (my benefit will be Much higher)? Does it depend on when she starts drawing her benefits (ie FRA)? Thanks.

Hi. Your wife couldn't stop drawing her own benefits and draw yours instead in the event of your death, but what she could do is continue to draw her own benefits plus a partial widow's benefit equal to the difference in her benefit amount and your benefit amount. The net effect would be that she would then get a combined benefit amount equal to the full amount you were collecting.

And, yes, both you and your wife can both collect benefits at the same time. If your wife starts collecting her own benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA) it won't adversely affect the rate she would receive as a survivor, provided that she doesn't start drawing survivor benefits prior to her FRA. She would, however, be stuck with the reduction for age applied to her own benefit rate for as long as both of you are living.

It sounds like you and your wife should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your various options so that you can determine the best possible strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry