I think we have a complicated situation and am trying to understand the best strategy for my husband and I. My husband will be 70 in 2 weeks. He recently was upgraded to VA Individual Unemployability rating and soon we should hear about 100% disability rating from the VA. He filed for his social security at 64 because he couldn't work - he was denied SSDI at that time, he didn't know he could appeal. I was planning on waiting until 70 to file for my SS benefits- I am currently 64 and self employed as a tutor. I appreciate any recommendations you can give us. Thank you.

Hi,

Since you were born prior to January 2 1954, your best strategy may be to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only at age 66. That way, you could draw spousal benefits for 4 years while letting your own benefit rate grow until age 70.

That just a guess based on the limited information in your question, though. Your actual best strategy depends on a number of variables, including your and your husband's relative benefit rates. You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry