I filed a restricted application for spousal benefits at the same time my wife filed for her retirement benefit at her full retirement age. When I want to receive my own retirement benefit at age 70, will Social Security automatically make this switch for me, or will I have to contact Social Security to let them know I a want to file for my own retirement benefit? Thank You.

Hi. No. Social Security can't entitle you to your own benefits unless you apply for them. When you file a restricted application for spousal benefits, which by the way can only be done by people born prior to January 2 1954, you are specifically limiting the scope of that application to spousal benefits only. Thus, you must file another application if you subsequently want to claim a different type of benefit.

Best, Jerry