I turned 66 in April. My wife is 63. I have not applied for anything with the SS. I plan on working until I am 70 before starting SS benefits. Would the best way to maximize our benefits be for her to start her benefits now and then me apply for spousal benefits until I reach 70? We both have long life expectancies.

Hi,

Possibly, but that would result in a lower monthly benefit for your wife, plus the Social Security earnings test may limit your ability to receive benefits prior to her full retirement age (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html). If she's retired or has low earnings, though, it's certainly something to consider. She could then suspend her retirement benefits when you reach age 70, then resume them when she reaches age 70.

The best filing strategy depends on many factors, so you may wish to consider running the maximization software available on this website to be sure that you make the best possible choice.

Best, Jerry