I will be filing for SSI to commence at my FRA (66 and 2 months). my wife who is older has been collecting a small SSI of her own for 5 years. I want her to now collect the spousal benefit which will be higher. What does she, or I, need to do to make this happen. i.e. does she need to file for it or will it happen automatically

Hi. Your wife will have to file an application for spousal benefits in order to claim those benefits. She wouldn't automatically get spousal benefits when you file for your benefits. Your wife can file for spousal benefits on the same day that you apply for your benefits, or on a later date. If she applies before you apply her application would be disallowed since her spousal benefit eligibility is contingent on your entitlement to your benefits.

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Best, Jerry