I'll be 66 Nov 2016. My wife will be 66 April 2017. I plan on working to age 70 and file for benefits at age 70. I am the major wage earner and my work insurance covers both of us. My wife is collecting disability benefits and is working part time. Two questions: What is the best strategy to maximize my social security and does my wife have to file medicare part B when she turns 66? I am thinking about the restricted application for my self, but I need more information.

Hi,

As long as you continue working and your wife is covered under your employer group health plan, she can likely defer signing up for Part B of Medicare without any penalty until you retire. However, if fewer than 20 employees are covered under your group plan, this may not be true (https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/medicare.htm).

Your own best strategy is almost certainly to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only effective with the month you reach age 66, then switch to your own record at age 70. You may wish to run the maximization software available on this website in order to be sure.

Best, Jerry