I will turn 66 (my FRA) on April 3, 2017. My husband is 75 and collecting Social Security. I would like to "file and restrict my benefits to spousal benefits" and have my retirement benefit grow until age 70.
1) Am I correct (per your book "Get What's Yours") that I can do this under the 2015 grandfathering rule, i.e. no deeming of benefit, since I was 64 as of Jan 1 2016?
2) If so, when should I file my application ( after my birthday on April 3, 2017)? It is not clear to me how to answer Q26 on application (when I wish to begin receiving benefits) to be sure I do now lower either spousal or retirement benefits. Given my birthday, would I qualify for spousal benefits beginning in April or May?
3) What exact language do I enter into application for file and restrict and does it go in Remarks section?
3) I have tried to set up on-line "my social security account" at SSA but after answering verifying information questions to the best of my knowledge, it tell me something is incorrect and account suspended for 24 hours. What should I do to get online account?
Thanks, your book is very helpful.
Hi,
Yes, you are still permitted to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only at full retirement age (FRA). You can file any time between now and October 2017, and you'll want to specify April 2017 as your month of election to begin benefits. Social Security issues their payments for April in May, by the way.
Online Social Security applications can only be accessed by actually filing an application, so I'm not sure how all of the questions are worded. There will likely be a specific question asking if you want your application to also be considered as an application for retirement benefits on your own record, and you'll want to specify that you want to claim spousal benefits only. I would also add a statement in the remarks section such as: 'I wish to restrict retirement benefits on my own record from the scope of this application.'
As to setting up a mySocialSecurity account, the only thing I can suggest is to wait 24+ hours and try again: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.
Best, Jerry
