My wife DOB 2/11/55 has SSDI, $2150 per month. I DOB 8/2/53 am still working, and will have the maximum benefit from SS- looks like about $3,590 when I retire. What is our best strategy? I plan to defer drawing SS until I am 70. Can my wife file and suspend at FRA and then receive a spousal benefit for the 2 years until I start SS?

Hi,

Your wife could not file and suspend at FRA and receive spousal benefits instead (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html). Her SSDI will convert to regular retirement benefits at the same rate when she reaches full retirement age (FRA). At that time your wife could suspend her benefits in order to accrue delayed retirement credits, but she could not be paid spousal benefits while her own benefits are suspended. In fact, since your wife's own benefit rate is apparently higher than 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA) she would almost certainly never qualify for spousal benefits as long as you're living.

Your likely best strategy would be for you to file just for spousal benefits only at your FRA and then switch to your own record at age 70. However, you couldn't be paid spousal benefits if your wife suspends her retirement benefits, at least during the time that her benefits are suspended. You and your wife should strongly consider using our software to compare all of your various options in order to determine your best overall strategy.

Best, Jerry