I am 67, retired and filed for my SS benefits on 10-1-17 (age 66 1/4). My spouse is 61 and still working. We have approximately the same benefit amounts at FRA. Have read your book and want to purchase and use your software. Any other strategies other than waiting for her FRA for her to file?

Hi,

Your wife could file for her benefits any time between age 62 & 70, and her benefit rate would be adjusted accordingly. However, her benefits would be subject to the Social Security earnings test until she reaches full retirement age. Since she was born after January 1 1954 she could never file just for spousal benefits only without being deemed to also be filing on her own account, so it sounds like she'll never be eligible for spousal benefits if your full retirement age rates (PIAs) are roughly the same.

On the other hand you could have filed just for spousal benefits only if your hadn't already filed for your own benefits, but your wife would have to be drawing her benefits in order for you to be eligible for spousal benefits. In theory, you could still withdraw the application that you filed for retirement benefits, but that would require you to repay all of the benefits you've received so far. However, that would enable you to potentially draw spousal benefits if your wife filed for her benefits early, in which case you could then let your own benefit rate grow until age 70.

The best strategy for you and your wife largely depends on how much she'll be earning when she reaches age 62, as well as your personal preferences. You and your wife should strongly consider using our maximization software to compare all of your various options in order to determine your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry