I'm 61 and I receive disability social security at $1,000 per month. My husband is 67 and , although not yet collecting, is eligible for $3,000 per month. When can I receive half of his amount?

Hi,

You must be at least age 62 and your husband must be drawing his benefits in order for you to potentially qualify for spousal benefits. However, your spousal benefits will be permanently reduced for age if you start drawing them before your full retirement age.

For example, Sally receives Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) of $1000. When Sally is age 62 her husband Bill files for his Social Security benefits. Bill's full retirement age rate (PIA) is $2500, so Sally's unreduced spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her SSDI rate (PIA) from 50% of Bill's PIA, or $250 in this example (i.e. $2500/2 - $1000). If Sally waits until full retirement age to file for spousal benefits she would receive the full $250, which would be paid in addition to her own benefit for a combined rate of $1250. However, if Sally files for spousal benefits at age 62 her rate will be reduced by roughly 30%, or to around $175 in this example. That would then be added to Sally's own benefit amount to make her combined rate about $1175.

You and your husband may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry