I will turn 66 in MARCH 2019 and my wife will turn 66 in August 2019. I have heard that at FRA we can file a restricted application only and collect spousal benefits until age 70 while our regular benefit continues to grow until age 70. Can both of us file a restricted application and if so when, or can only one spouse do this. We were both born in 1953. What would give us the most extra spousal benefit since we are still eligible for doing this. Your calculator keeps recomending us both delay filing until age 70 which may not be feasible. We are both still working and plan to until age 68 so we don't need to live on our social security but could use some extra money under the grandfathered rules for our age group. Thank you.

Hi,

Only one of you, either you or your wife, could file a restricted application for spousal benefits only. That's because in order to qualify for spousal benefits your spouse must be receiving benefits on their own record.

Both you and your wife were born prior to January 2 1954, so either or you could potentially file for spousal benefits only at FRA or later without being deemed to also be filing for your own retirement benefits. But, that would mean that the other spouse would have to file for and start drawing their retirement benefits. You should be able to run any number of 'what if' scenarios using our software in order to help you decide which filing strategy you feel would be best for you and your wife.

I should point out that only answer the questions submitted via this forum, and I don't have access to our software customer's data. If you are using our software and have questions about your results or use of the software, you should submit an online contact form available in the help menu.

Best, Jerry