My wife is 66 drawing SS benefits since 1995. I'm 63 born after January 1st,1954 ( I don't qualify for file and suspend) and my FRA is 66 (not sure yet if to wait till 70) and still working. When I reach my FRA can my wife suspend hers and draw spousal benefit from mine ? What strategy can I apply if any ?

Hi,

No, your wife could never suspend her own benefits and draw spousal benefits instead. She could suspend her benefits in order to receive delayed retirement credits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/delayret.html), but she couldn't receive spousal benefits while her own benefits are suspended. It's possible that your wife could become eligible for some spousal benefits in addition to her own benefits when you start drawing your benefits, but only if 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than her own PIA.

There are a number of possible strategies available to you and your wife depending on your relative benefit rates. You should strongly consider using our maximization software in order to determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry