My husband is 72 years old, and draws over $1300/month Social Security disability. He also receives a navy pension and VA disability. He began drawing SS at FRA. The SS disability payment listed is a net amount that is deposited monthly to his bank. How do we determine what his actual PI (is that the correct term?). I am 58 (dob 3/24/1963). My estimated SS at 67 is over $1700 and over $2000 at 70. He is in poor health, and should he predecede me, I don’t know what financial course to take in spite of reading your excellent advise to others. I understand that I won’t qualify for spousal benefits now or ever due my year of birth. However, we have been married for over 13 years, and I am confused trying to figure out his PIA or which filing tactic would be the best strategy should my worst fear (his death) come true. I’d rather try to figure this out now rather than during a devastating time in my life. Thank you.

Hi. 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 Social Security disability (SSDI) benefit rate. So, if your husband started out drawing SSDI or if he started drawing retirement benefits at FRA, then his current benefit rate before any withholdings should be equal to his PIA. You could use our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to verify your husband's PIA, though.

If your husband dies before you start drawing your own benefits, it sounds like your best strategy would likely be to claim widow's benefits as soon as possible, then switch to your own benefits at age 70. Widow's benefits can be paid as early as age 60, or age 50 if the widow is disabled. However, benefits can be subject to full or partial withholding up until FRA if a widow is still working and earns more than the Social Security earnings test exempt amount. Our software could also help you confirm your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry