Forgive my typing not very good at it
Is it true that wife can receive up to 50 percent of my Social Security benefits? Is this available even if my wife has never worked. She is in November 68 years old.
Also she is Japanese national living right now at Japan due to a very bad knee pain …she is in the Japan health plan …..gone already long time huhuh ( tears ) I myself am this august 79 years old. We have been married for in October for 6 years ( been together for over 25 years.)
I am on social security which is my only income….

Hi,

Yes, it sounds like your wife would qualify for spousal benefits equal to 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA). Japanese citizens are exempt from having to meet a U.S. residency requirement in order to qualify for auxiliary benefits (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201745145).

It sounds like your wife should file for spousal benefits as soon as possible in order to avoid a further loss of benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/japan.html#claims).

Best, Jerry