Ask Larry

How Do I File A Restricted Application For Spousal Benefits?

My Wife (68 in Oct) filed and suspended before the deadline.
I will be turning 66 in October.. When and how do I file for restricted "spousal benefits?"
Can I file this Online?

Hi,

You can file anytime between now and October. You could even file as late as 6 months after you turn 66, but there's probably no reason to wait. Just be sure to choose October as your month of election for spousal benefits (unless you were born on October 1st, in which case you'd choose September), and be sure to restrict your application to spousal benefits only.

You can file online at ssa.gov (https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib), or you can file by phone or in person at a Social Security office. If you file online, there should be a question in your application that says: 'If you are eligible for both retirement benefits and spouse's benefits, do you want to delay receipt of retirement benefits?' You will want to answer yes to that question in order to restrict your application to spousal benefits only. Also, I would suggest adding a statement in remarks saying: 'I wish to restrict the scope of this application to spouse's benefits only'.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 17 2017 - 7:34am
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