I filed for benefits before my FRA against my record in 2016 (born 08/53). My husband (born 12/52) is retiring this year. He was thinking of filing a restricted application for spousal benefits against my record. 1. Is this possible? 2. Does he have to wait until his FRA to do this? If he can do this, can he later (prior to age 70) change and file against his own record? Would I then be able to file for spousal benefits against his record? Thanks

Hi,

Yes, that's possible. And, yes, your husband would have to wait until his full retirement age (FRA) to be able to claim just spousal benefits only without also filing for his own retirement benefits at the same time.

If your husband files for spousal benefits only at FRA he can then wait until age 70 to file for his own retirement benefits. You could then file for additional spousal benefits from his record if 50% of his full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your own full retirement age rate.

You and your husband should consider using our maximization software in order to determine if the strategy outlined above would be best in your case, or if a different strategy may be better.

Best, Jerry