Is it possible to let me know if I can file for spousal benefits and then claim my higher benefit? I am married, birthday 10/06/53 and wife was 9/12/60. I have much higher SS beneftis than wife. She just filed on July 2022 since she turns 62 and will receive her first ss check in Nov 2022. I plan to file for spousal benefits this month and let my benefit grow until 2023, when I am 70. Then, 3 months before I am 70, I will file for my own benefit.
1. Is this strategy possible?
2. Does is matter if I when I file for the spousal, ie, is it OK to file for this while my wife's application is still in process?
Thanks, and I will pay for advice, if necessary or pay for your basic software

Hi. Yes, the strategy you describe is possible. People born prior to January 2 1954 are allowed to file for spousal benefits while waiting until later to claim their own benefits. And, as long as your wife has applied for her benefits, you can apply for spousal benefits. Your first possible month of eligibility for spousal benefits is the first month that your wife is entitled to her benefits.

You may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your various options so that you can make sure you're choosing the best possible option for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry