I am 70 years old, took as benefit at 62 $1959. My wife is 59, became disable at 54. Collect disability at $985. Can my wife apply for spousal benefits to increase her monthly check?

Hi,

Your wife can apply for spousal benefits, but unless she has a child in her care who's eligible for benefits on your record she couldn't get spousal benefits at least until she reaches age 62. A person can't collect non child-in-care spousal benefits prior to age 62 even if they're disabled.

If your wife applies for spousal benefits at age 62 or later, she'll only be eligible for spousal benefits if 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than her own 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 Social Security disability (SSDI) rate. And, if your wife does qualify for any spousal benefits, those benefits will be reduced for age if she starts drawing them prior to her FRA.

Best, Jerry