My wife is older than me and had significantly less earnings than me. Can she claim her own SSDI benefit at SSNRA and then when I file for my own at age 70 will she the full higher dependent amount for me waiting until 70 or would she be limited to my dependent amount as if I had filed at SSNRA?

Hi,

Your wife's potential spousal benefit rate would not be any higher if you waited until age 70 to start drawing your benefits, but she could potentially receive your full age 70 rate as a widow if you die first. In other words, she could benefit from your delayed retirement credits as a widow, but they wouldn't boost her spousal rate while you're living.

And yes, your wife could file for her own benefits first and later file for additional spousal benefits when you start drawing your benefits. However, if she starts drawing reduced retirement benefits before full retirement age (FRA), she would keep any reduction that she took on her own record. For example, say Mary has a full retirement age rate (PIA) of $800 but starts drawing reduced retirement benefits at age 62 at a reduced rate of $600. Mary's husband files for his benefits when Mary is age 67, and his PIA is $2000. Mary is eligible for an excess spousal benefit of $200 (i.e. $2000/2 - $800), which would be added to her reduced retirement benefit to give her a combined rate of $800.

You and your wife should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore your options and determine your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry