I am 65(4-5-52) and my wife is 61(11-12-55). I am not collecting SS. We can wait to start receiving our benefits. My question is would it be best for her to file at 62 then for me to file a restricted application at 66. My understanding is that I can receive half of her FRA amount until I am 70 then switch to mine. What are the pros and cons? Thanks, Mike

Hi,

The positive would be that you could potentially receive spousal benefits for 4 years while allowing your own benefit rate grow until age 70. The negative is that your wife will be stuck with a reduced monthly benefit rate for as long as both of you are living.

You may want to strongly consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to compare your options and decide on your best strategy.

Best, Jerry