We have not filed yet. Plan on filing online. My wife reaches FRA in December and I reach 70 in January. We want her to file in December, then switch to 50% of mine in January once I file. Few related questions: (1) Will the switch happen automatically once I file in January. (2) Does she have to manually update her filing in January once I file (if yes, can this be done online). (3) Can she let them know when she files in December that she wants to switch to 50% of mine when I file. Thanks. I am a subscriber to your service.

Hi. No, your wife will need to file separate applications for retirement and spousal benefits. As far as I know, Social Security's website still can't handle online claims for spousal benefits after a person has filed for their own benefits, so your wife will likely need to file her application for spousal benefits by phone. And, since your wife will need to at least file her spousal claim by phone or in person with a Social Security representative, it may be easier in your case for the two of you to make an appointment with Social Security to file all of your claims at the same time.

By the way, your wife won't actually switch from drawing her own retirement benefits to spousal benefits. Instead, she'll continue collecting her own benefits, plus she'll be eligible for an excess spousal benefit equal to the difference in her primary insurance amount (PIA) and 50% of your PIA. Assuming that your wife doesn't claim benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA), her combined retirement and spousal benefits should add up to 50% of your PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at .

I don't have access to the records of our software customers, but since you were apparently born prior to January 2 1954 you are allowed to file a restricted application just for spousal benefits when your wife applies for her retirement benefits. It sounds like that would allow you to collect a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your wife's PIA for December before switching to your own higher benefits in January. Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) should be able to fully analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry