I am an Indian citizen who worked in the U.S. and contributed to the social security system for over 15 years prior to returning to India. My wife is a U.S. citizen but works in India. I am now 63 years old with no source of income in India. Can my wife draw my social security as a spousal benefit. She is 55 years old. I had a green card but returned it in 2002 since it was difficult for me to fulfil the requirements to keep it. I beleive that as a non U.S. citizen, I cannot claim my social security.

Hi,

It sounds like both you and you wife would be able to receive benefits, although your wife wouldn't eligible until she reaches age 62 unless she has an eligible child in her care. Here is a Social Security publication that explains eligibility for payments outside of the U.S.: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf.

If either you or your wife start drawing benefits prior to full retirement age, your monthly benefit rate(s) will be reduced. You may want to run the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry