I am 63, retiring in a few months. My wife is 50, retiring at 55. Can I file for spousal benefits at some point, then get full benefits at 70? Also, how would she maximize benefits?
Thank you

Hi,

You can't receive spousal benefits unless your wife is drawing retirement or disability benefits on her record. She can't get retirement benefits until she is at least age 62, but if she became disabled before you apply for benefits on your own record, and if you were born prior to January 2 1954, you could potentially file for spousal benefits only at full retirement age and allow your own rate to grow until age 70.

Your and your wife's best strategy depends on your relative benefit rates among a number of other variables. You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry