My question: My wife, who’s 62, has been getting Social Security disability since she was 51. (She had a stroke.) I’m 65.

Her benefits are more than mine.

Our plan is to:
-- When I reach my full retirement age of 66 (I was born in 1952), I apply for spousal benefits on her record.
-- When she turns 66 and 2 months (she was born in 1955), when SSDI automatically converts into a retirement benefit, she’ll voluntarily suspend benefits until she’s 70. I’ll be 69 then, and I’m going to have to stop receiving spousal benefits.
-- When I’m 70, I’ll apply for retirement benefits on my own record.
-- When she’s 70, she’ll apply for retirement benefits on her own records.

Is this plan correct?

Hi,

Everything that you mentioned are possible options, except that your wife wouldn't have to apply for retirement benefits at age 70. If her benefits are in voluntary suspense at that time Social Security should automatically reinstate her benefits effective with the month she turns age 70.

Although the strategy outlined in your question may well be your best strategy, you may want to consider using our maximization software to determine if a different strategy may be even better.

Best, Jerry