My wife has been on SS disability for several years and draws a modest $614 per month. She didn't have an extensive work career. I am 65 and have been drawing my SS for almost a year. My draw is $2327 per month. She will turn 62 in December of 2020. Can she draw off of my SS, and if so, what would she qualify for? Thanks, Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Yes, it sounds like at age 62 your wife could qualify for an excess spousal benefit in addition to her Social Security disability (SSDI) benefit, but if she claims her spousal benefits prior to her full retirement age they'll be reduced for age. And, that reduction will continue to apply for as long as both of you are living.

For example, say June is drawing an SSDI benefit of $600. June's husband is drawing his benefit and his primary insurance amount is $2500. 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 SSDI benefit rate. If June files for spousal benefits at full retirement age (FRA), she would get an excess spousal benefit of $650, or 50% of her husband's PIA minus her own PIA (i.e. $2500/2 - $600). That would give June a combined benefit rate $1250, which is equal to a full half of her husband's PIA. However, if June starts drawing her spousal benefits at age 62, her excess spousal rate will be reduced to $436. That would then be paid in addition to her SSDI benefit, giving her a combined rate of $1036.

Your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze her filing options so that she can determine her best strategy for maximizing her benefits.

Best, Jerry