My wife and I were both born in 1953 (I in June 53 and she in December 53) and thus are grandfathered in for part of the changed law on Social Security. I earned substantially more than she did (but still not that much). I'm still working and plan to not file until I turn 70 after reading your book!

If she takes her retirement benefits when she turns 66, can I take my spousal benefit? If so, then when I turn 70 and file for and take my retirement benefits, can she then take her spousal benefit? Does doing any of this jeopardize either or both of us?

Thanks!

Hi,

Yes, if you are at least age 66 and your wife starts drawing her retirement benefits, you can file a restricted application for just spousal benefits only and allow your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. And then when you switch to your own record at age 70, your wife could potentially file for an additional spousal benefit from your record. However, for your wife to receive additional spousal benefits at that time, 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA) would have to be more than her own PIA.

I'm not sure what you mean by your last question, but the strategy described above may well be your best option. However, you may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to be sure that you make the best possible choice.

Best, Jerry