Larry,
? 4 U My wife and I are both on SSDI. I am 65 and she 61. She receives about $875 after deductions. I receive about $2500 after deductions. When she reaches FRA can she begin drawing half of my social security which would be a greater amount than she receives on her own social security. This extra amount would help us in retirement. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi,

Yes, your wife could file for spousal benefits at her full retirement age (FRA), in which case she'd get an excess spousal benefit equal to the difference between her PIA and 50% of your PIA. That would then be paid in addition to her own benefit, giving her a combined benefit amount equal to 50% of your PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing at FRA, or their full Social Security disability (SSDI) rate.

Your wife could even file for an excess spousal benefit as early as age 62, but her excess spousal rate would then be reduced for age by roughly 33%. That would result in a combined benefit rate lower than 50% of your PIA, and your wife would be stuck with that reduced rate for as long as both of you are living.

Best, Jerry