My wife just turned 67 and filed for retirement benefits. I will turn 67 on 02-12-2021. I am under the belief that I can apply for limited benefits, up one-half of my wife's total benefit without hindering the growth in my full benefit between my 67th and 70th birthday, the latter being my targeted retirement age. Is that true and, if so, what the guidelines, protocols, and caveats attached to this? Thanks!!

Hi,

No, that's not true. Since you were apparently born after January 1 1954 you could not file just for spousal benefits without also being deemed to file for your own benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). Since your wife was born prior to January 2 1954, though, she would have the option to file just for spousal benefits without filing for her own benefits, but she could only draw spousal benefits if you're drawing your benefits.

It sounds like you and your wife have a number of possible filing strategies available to you, and the best strategy depends on a number of different factors. You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully explore and compare your options so that you can determine the best way to maximize your benefits.

Best, Jerry