Ask Larry

Will I Miss The File And Suspend Cutoff?

I'm 65 (09/1951) and my wife is also 65 (08/1951). She began receiving SS benefits early at age 62 ( she receives $738/month) and I plan to continue working until age 69 and expect benefits of $2700/month. Will I miss the file and suspend cutoff? Is our best course of action to have her file for spouse benefits at my age 66 (if that's possible)?
Thank you!

Hi,

Yes, if you file and suspend any time after April 29 2016, your spouse can't receive benefits on your record while your benefits are in suspense (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html). However, that probably wouldn't have been your best option anyway.

Your best strategy would likely be to file for spousal benefits only on your wife's record at age 66, and then switch to your own record at age 70. You still have this option available to you because you were born prior to January 2 1954 (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). Your wife could then file for additional spousal benefits on your record when you file on your own account. You may want to use the maximization software available on this website in order to make sure that you choose the best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 20 2017 - 6:15am
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