My husband and I will turn 66 in Nov 2016. I will keep working and not file for SS until age 70. If my husband files at age 66 for his own benefits, when he turns 70, can he file for spousal benefits if half of my SS is more than his SS (that he started getting at age 66)? Something about deemed filing?

Thanks!

Rita

Hi Rita,

If your husband files on his own record at age 66, he won't be deemed to also be filing on your account. However, his potential spousal benefit will not increase after he's 66, except for increases in your full retirement age benefit (PIA) caused by your future earnings. Spousal benefits are based on one-half of the worker's PIA, not one-half of the PIA increased by delayed retirement credits (DRC).

What you may want to consider doing instead is having one of you apply at age 66 and have the other file a restricted application for spousal benefits only. The one who files for spousal benefits only can then file on their own account at age 70, at which time it will be 32% higher than the PIA due to DRCs. That is just one possible strategy, and may not be the optimal choice for you.

If you haven't already done so, you may wish to consider running the maximization software available on this website. It should help you sort out all of your options and arrive at the best possible choice.

Best, Jerry