Hello Larry, I filed for 100% benefits when I reached age but am still working part time to make ends meet. My wife turned 60 this year but only has 4 credits because of a bi-polar condition she’s lived with her whole life. Not diagnosed or medicated until her late forties we never pursued disability as she couldn’t work. Will she ever be eligible for SS benefits?

Hi. It sounds like your wife will be eligible for Social Security spousal benefits, but not until she's age 62. And, if she claims spousal benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA) of 67, her benefit rate will be reduced for age.

If your wife waits until her FRA to claim spousal benefits, her benefit rate would amount to 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA). A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). But, if she claims spousal benefits at age 62, her monthly benefit rate would be reduced by roughly 35%.

Your wife may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of her options so that she can determine the best overall strategy for maximizing her benefits.

Best, Jerry