Ask Larry

Can My Husband File A Restricted Application For Spousal Benefits When I File For My Benefits?

I had the pleasure of reading your book GET WHAT'S YOURS that made me think about the best Social Security strategy for my family. My husband has reached his FRA and keeps working. I am planning to retire at 65 from my teaching job at the end of the school year. Can my husband file restricted application for his spousal benefit while working full time after I get my Social Security retirement benefits? If the answer is "yes," will he automatically get Part A Medicare that he doesn't have now due to HSA at his job?

Thank you very much for sharing your expertise and time.
Irina

Hi Irina,

Yes, since your husband is full retirement age (FRA) he could file a restricted application just for spousal benefits on your record when you start drawing your benefits. And, it wouldn't matter how much he is earning.

And yes, if your husband files for spousal benefits he will automatically be enrolled in Part A of Medicare. Since he is at least age 65, he couldn't decline Part A of Medicare and still file for Social Security spousal or retirement benefits.

You and your husband may want to consider using our maximization software to make sure you choose the best possible filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 24 2018 - 10:27am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.