My husband is 66 in January and I will be 66 in October. Can my husband file a restricted application to receive 1/2 of my social security benefit now? Can I file a restricted application to receive 1/2 of my husband's social security benefit when I reach age 66? Will each of our benefits grow to age 70 when we would apply for our own benefit? Thanks in advance, Sue

Hi Sue,

No, you can't both file a restricted application for spousal benefits only. In order to be eligible for spousal benefits, your spouse must be drawing benefits on their own record. So, one of you would have to start drawing benefits on your own record in order for the other of you to be able to file a restricted application for spousal benefits.

The best filing strategy for you and your husband depends largely on your relative benefit rates. You should probably consider running the maximization software available on this website to help you determine the best strategy.

Best, Jerry