My wife is on SSDI and draws a small monthy amount ($900). She is approaching age 65. Can she switch to SSI and draw spousal retirement? 50% of my SSI will be a much larger monthly amount.
I am younger, approaching 62 and don't plan to draw SSI until age 67.5. Does my SSI impact her spousal SSI? Thanks

Hi. By 'SSI', I assume you're referring to Social Security retirement benefits. Your wife wouldn't need to switch to regular Social Security retirement benefits to potentially be able to qualify for spousal benefits, but she could only qualify for spousal benefits if a) you are drawing either your Social Security retirement or disability ISSDI) benefits, and b) your primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as her 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), or their full unreduced SSDI rate. Also, if your wife starts drawing spousal benefits prior to FRA her spousal rate would be reduced for age.

If your wife were to switch to drawing regular Social Security retirement benefits prior to FRA her benefit rate would be reduced for age. SSDI benefits are unreduced, so switching from SSDI to retirement benefits prior to FRA generally just reduces a person's monthly benefit amount. About the only way that your wife might want to consider switching to retirement benefits prior to FRA is if her SSDI benefits are being offset because she's also receiving worker's compensation or public disability benefits (PDB).

It sounds like you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry