Larry
My DOB 1950, now 67 and did not apply for SS.. I am waiting to collect on my 70 birthday.
My wife turned 66 in Feb 2018 and started collecting SS in March 2018.
Can I collect 1/2 of my wife s benefits until I am 70, when I plan to apply for my full SS benefits.
Will I be penalized or get reduced benefits when I apply for SS benefits when I turn 70?
Thanks
Lester

Hi Lester,

Yes, you can and almost certainly should file for spousal benefits only on your wife's record as soon as possible. You can claim the spousal benefits retroactive to your wife's entitlement date of February 2018 as long as you file your application no later than August 2018. You can then file for benefits on your own record at age 70, and the fact that you received spousal benefits before then will have no adverse effect on your own retirement benefit rate.

Although the filing strategy outlined above is likely your best option, you and your wife may want to use our maximization software to explore and compare all of your options in order to make sure that you choose the best one.

Best, Jerry