Larry,
I am 67 yrs old and working. My wife just is retired and turned 66 on January 14th. We wanted to file and suspend my retirement benefits and collect spousal benefits for my wife. When we went to Social Security office, they declined for spousal benefits and told us under the new law that we are not eligible. When I visited SS Office to file before I became FRA, they told me that I could file when my wife reaches FRA. Could you please clarify if they are trying to blow us off.

Monte

Hi Monte,

Here's the story. Since your wife was born prior to January 2 1954 she could qualify for spousal benefits only without also filing for her own retirement benefits starting with the month she reaches full retirement age (FRA), but only if you've filed for your benefits. However, if you file for and suspend your benefits, your wife's spousal benefits would also be suspended for as long as your benefits are suspended (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/claiming.html?intcmp=AE-RET-PLRT-REL...). So, there would be no way for your wife to draw spousal benefits while you continue to earn delayed retirement credits (DRC).

Your best strategy depends in part on whether or not your wife is eligible for retirement benefits on her own record, and if so the relative amounts of her retirement benefit rate vs. your retirement benefit rate. You and your wife should strongly consider using our software to compare all of your options so that you can choose the best possible strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry