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Will My Wife Be Able To Get Spousal Benefits At Age 60 If She's Disabled?

My wife, age 58 and whom I have been married to for 11 years is 6 years younger than I am and is currently collecting Social Security Disability in the sum of around 750 per month. When I reach FRA at 66 and file for benefits in 2 years would she then be eligible for a spousal benefit. Currently I am anticipating about a 2400 per month benefit and a spousal benefit if qualified would be roughly 1200 per month. She will be 60 when I file so will her benefit increase when I file or is there a later age when she would be eligible for the increased amount of the spousal benefit ; not certain if her already collecting disability makes a difference.

Hi,

Assuming that your wife doesn't have a child in her care who would qualify for benefits on your record, she couldn't qualify for spousal benefits until she's at least age 62. There is no such thing as an earlier spousal benefit (on the record of a living spouse) based on disability. And, if your wife files for spousal benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA), her spousal rate will be reduced for age.

You and your wife should strongly consider using our maximization software to explore and compare all of your filing options in order to determine your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jun 24 2018 - 11:40am
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