My wife and I are Canadians working in the US as permanent residents (Green cards). I started working in Aug 2013, my wife in May 2014. I will be 66 in Nov, she will be 59 in June. We want to continue working here until we both have 40 points with SS, then retire to Canada (mid-2023). How can we estimate what our SS benefits might be? If we only contribute for 11 and 10 years respectively, how long can we receive SS benefits? Thank you.

Hi. The benefit calculator included in our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) would enable you to calculate your potential future benefit rates. The software permits you to input projected future earnings that can then be used to calculate a benefit estimate.

It sounds like you and your wife have numerous possible outcomes. Even if only one of you ends up with at least 40 quarters of Social Security coverage (QC), the other spouse may then qualify for spousal benefits. If you do end up qualifying for Social Security retirement benefits, you could continue to draw those benefits for life. And, the surviving spouse could potentially continue to collect benefits as a survivor.

You and your wife should strongly consider using our software to fully analyze all of your possible options so that you can determine the best possible strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry