Hi Larry, after living in USA for over two decades we plan to move back to India. My wife and I are US citizens
1. I assume we will get SS pension even if we permanently move to India, is my understanding correct?
2. Will my wife get spousal benefits as soon as I become eligible for SS benefits or does she have to wait until she reaches her FRA?
Thanks
KR

Hi KR,

Yes, since you and your wife are U.S. citizens you could both still be paid Social Security benefits if you move to India. You would of course need to be insured for Social Security benefits (i.e. 40 quarters of coverage) and be at least age 62 in order to qualify, though.

Once you start drawing your benefits, your wife could be eligible for spousal benefits immediately as long as she is at least age 62 or if she has a child (under age 16 or disabled) in her care who qualifies for child's benefits on your record. However, if your wife starts drawing spousal benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA) and she doesn't have a child in her care, her benefit rate will be reduced for age.

You and your wife should strongly consider using our software to compare all of your various filing options in order to determine your best strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry