I just read a very upsetting post from Sept. 20, 2016 entitled "Can My Wife File For Spousal Benefits Only At Full Retirement Age?" My wife and I are both disabled and receive SSDI. My wife turns 66 in February, 2017 and I turn 66 in September, 2018. Our CFP put together a financial plan that begins in September, 2018 (when I turn 66) but it assumed that my wife, who receives only $411 per month, would "convert" to a spousal benefit based on my $2450 benefit when I turn 66, thus increasing our total SS monthly income to $3675. This was by far going to be our largest source of income. According to your reply to the aforementioned post -- and the article you referenced in that post -- this would not be possible. Am I interpreting this correctly? Could my wife quickly withdraw/cancel her SSDI before reaching 66 in Feb. and would that allow her to be eligible for the spousal benefit? Please HELP! Thank you for your invaluable website and advice.

Hi,

You must have misinterpreted the applicability of that previous answer to your situation. Here is what will happen in your case, and this is what you need to do:

When your wife reaches age 66, her disability benefits will convert to retirement benefits. At that time, she should file for spousal benefits on your record. She will then become entitled to an excess spousal benefit that will bring her total benefit amount up to 50% of your disability amount. That's all either of you need to do. When you later turn age 66, your disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits with no further action needed on your part or your wife's part.

Best, Jerry