I will begin collecting my social security benefit this month at age 70. My wife was born in March 1955, so she is past her FRA. She would like to file now, at which time her spousal benefit based on my earnings will be higher than her own benefit would be currently. However, if she waits until age 70, her benefit based on her own earnings will be greater because of the Delayed Retirement Credits she would accrue.
The local social security office told her she can file now for spousal benefits, and file again at age 70, when she would receive the increase based on her own earnings. Is the information social security provided to her correct, or would she be locked in at the lower payments based on the date she applies?
Thanks!!

Hi. No. Only people who were born prior to January 2 1954 can apply for spousal benefits without being required to apply for their own benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/claiming.html). Since your wife was born in 1955, whenever she applies for either her own benefits or for spousal benefits, she'll be deemed to be applying for both benefits. So, there's no way that your wife could collect spousal benefits while accruing delayed retirement credits (DRC) on her own account.

Your wife should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to analyze and compare all of her various options so that she can determine the best overall strategy for maximizing her benefits.

Best, Jerry