My wife has no social security credits to her records. I am beyound FRA and have not strated collecting my benifit. When I do start will she qualify to draw half the amount I am entitled to?

Hi,

The maximum amount that your wife could potentially draw as a spouse while you're living would be equal to 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA). A person's PIA is equal to the amount of their Social Security retirement benefit if they start drawing at full retirement age (FRA).

Your wife could not qualify for spousal benefits at least until you start drawing your Social Security benefits, and she would either need to be at least age 62 or have a child in care who qualifies for benefits on your record and who is either under age 16 or disabled. And, if she files for spousal benefits prior to FRA and she doesn't have an eligible child in her care, her benefit rate would be reduced for age.

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully explore and compare all of your options so that you can choose the best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry