Dear Larry-

Thanks to your wonderful book our path forward is clear. I just need to be sure about the timing of things.
My wife turns 66 on September 19, 2016. She is eligible for a FRA social security benefit but it is a modest amount as her work history is minimal. I am 67 and have a far more substantial benefit awaiting me and I plan to not file until I am 70.
Our plan is to use her benefit to cover our Medicare Part B expenses. So, the questions are:
1. What date in August can she file and assure she will receive her FRA benefit? We would, of course, make a statement that we want it effective September 19th and that we do not want any retroactive dating.
2. Is there any reason why I cannot claim a spousal benefit to bridge between her 66th birthday and when I file for myself at age 70? If I can file a restricted application for a spousal benefit, and specify it is only for that, may I do do at the same time she files or do I need to await until her benefit has been processed?
3. Since the spousal benefit she will get when I turn 70 is more than what she will get via her FRA benefit, once I turn 70 will she get both her FRA benefit and her spousal benefit or just the higher (spousal) benefit.

Thanks so much. I can't believe I am asking a question of this nature so knowledgable....you educated us well. If I'd only ready your book before April 30th. Sigh!!!!!!

Hi,

Both you and your file can start the application process now, and it's fine to file at the same time. She will file for retirement benefits on her account, and you will file a restricted application for spousal benefits only on her record. You can either file online at ssa.gov, or make an appointment to file in person or by phone with Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.

You don't need to specify a particular day of a month to elect benefits. When asked or prompted, both you and your wife simply need to choose September as your month to begin entitlement. There may be a month of election option on the applications that says: 'I am full retirement age (or will be within 12 months), and want benefits beginning with the earliest possible month providing that there is no permanent reduction in my ongoing monthly benefits.', and that will work fine for both of you as well. By the way, Social Security payments for September are issued in October.

Filing for spousal benefits only will have no adverse affect on your or your wife's future benefits on your account. Just be sure to include a remark on your spousal application that says something like: 'I wish to restrict the scope of this application to spousal benefits only.', or 'I wish to restrict retirement benefits on my own record from the scope of this application.' If you file in person or by phone, make sure that the SSA rep has entered a remark like this when you review your application.

When you reach age 70, you can switch to your own account, and your wife can apply for an excess spousal benefit on your record. Unless SSA expands the online filing options, those applications will need to be filed in person or by phone. Your wife will continue to receive her own benefit, plus the difference between her benefit and one-half of your full retirement age benefit amount (PIA). Her total benefit will then equal half of your PIA.

Best, Jerry