wait wait wait i think you guys are cofusing SSA rules. isnt there still something he can do with a 'deemed filing' exception? My friend did something like that recently. Maybe ask about that specificaly?

Thank you all for your helpful responses! It seems clear now that my husband can't collect on my record while delaying his own benefits since he was born after January 1954. We'll stick with our plan to have him wait until 70 to maximize his benefit (and my potential survivor benefit). I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this - Social Security rules can be so confusing!

just wondering, how old r u and ur husband? cause that matters for the benefits i think

Based on your ages (68 and 72), you're both at Full Retirement Age, which simplifies things considerably. Since you're already at FRA, if your husband were to pass away, you would be eligible to receive 100% of his benefit amount immediately with no reduction. And since you're not working, there would be no earnings test to worry about. Just ensure both of you have created MySocialSecurity accounts online. This will make it easier to track benefits and provide you with benefit verification letters that might be needed during the survivor benefit application process.

I want to emphasize what was said above about the Date Last Insured (DLI) - this is absolutely worth investigating. MS cases can be particularly complex because the onset is often gradual, but she should focus on documenting when the condition first prevented her from working at a substantial level (what SSA calls Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA). Additionally, regarding spousal benefits - your sister would need to wait until age 62 for reduced spousal retirement benefits, or full retirement age (67 for her) for unreduced spousal benefits. If she pursues the SSDI route based on her own record with the DLI approach, she should gather: 1. All medical records documenting her MS progression, especially from 8 years ago 2. Employment records showing when she reduced hours or stopped working 3. Statements from former employers or coworkers about how her condition affected her work 4. A detailed written statement about how her symptoms progressed This documentation will be crucial if she needs to prove she became disabled before her DLI expired.

Just wondering has she tried applying for state disability programs? Some states have their own disability benefits that aren't as strict as SSDI with the work credits thing.

I just remembered something important - ask the doctor to write a note specifically stating your husband cannot work! My husband's neurologist wrote a detailed letter about his limitations and I think that made a big difference in his approval.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice. After showing my husband these responses, he finally agreed not to work during the application process. We're gathering all his medical records, VA disability documentation, and will be asking his doctors for detailed statements about his limitations. I'm nervous about our finances, but his health and securing these benefits is more important right now. I'll update once we get further in the process.

my neighbor says his son works for ssa and says all the good employees work at the field offices and they put the new people on the phones lol. not sure if thats true but made me laugh

One important thing to consider in your situation - since your husband is only 61, he'll be filing early (before FRA), which means a permanently reduced benefit. Make sure whoever helps you explains exactly how much the reduction will be and whether it makes financial sense given your overall situation. Sometimes it's better to live off savings for a while rather than lock in a reduced benefit for life, especially if he might find another job soon. This is exactly the kind of nuanced discussion that works better in person.