Hello

I am 62 & 3 months and my wife is 65 & 3 months. She has been on SS disability for 25 years gets a pretty small check. I make enough that if I file but keep working I will not keep any of my benefit but I understand that it just goes back to my account. If I file now how do I figure out what my wife’s spousal benefits would be. Thanks

Hi,

Your wife's unreduced spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her primary insurance amount (PIA) from 50% of your PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit amount if they start drawing at full retirement age (FRA), or their full Social Security disability (SSDI) rate.

Therefore, if 50% of your PIA is higher than your wife's full SSDI rate, she could potentially claim spousal benefits when you start drawing your benefits. But, if she claims spousal benefits prior to her FRA her spousal rate would be reduced for age. Also, your wife's spousal benefits couldn't be paid for any months that your earnings cause your benefits for be withheld, so if you work and earn too much then both your benefits and your wife's spousal benefits may need to be withheld due to Social Security's earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html).

You may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze your options in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry