My wife applied for benefits 3 months before 65 (this month) because she is fighting cancer. I am 66 and have not applied for benefits. Can I apply for spousal benefits? I originally was going to wait to apply for at least a couple more years.

Hi,

Yes, you can and almost certainly should do so ASAP. Since you are age 66, the amount payable to you on your wife's record is already as high as it will get, and the spousal benefits you receive will not reduce the amount payable on your own record in the future.

You will want to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only. Be sure that your application contains a remark such as: 'I wish to restrict the scope of this application to spousal benefits only.', or 'I wish to restrict retirement benefits on my own record from the scope of this application.' You can then switch to your own account at age 70, at which time your benefit will be at it's highest point.

Best, Jerry