My wife was born in 1950 and has not filed for SSA Benefits yet. I was born in 1952 and I am still working. If I understand correctly, we can do this: My wife can file for SSA Benefits on her own record. I could retire at 66, file a restricted application and begin receiving spousal benefits based on my wife's work record and allow the benefits based on my work record continue to grown until I turn 70, at which time I can file for benefits based on my record. Is this true? Second question, if the first is true, when I do file at 70, can my wife then change to receiving spousal benefits based on my record?

Hi,

Yes, that's true. You could potentially file a restricted application for spousal benefits only at full retirement age (FRA) because you were born prior to January 2 1954 and were thus grandfathered under the new deeming rules passed by Congress in 2015.

Your wife couldn't change to spousal benefits when you file for your benefits at age 70, but she could potentially file for additional spousal benefits at that time. Basically, she could then be eligible for total benefits equal to the higher of her own benefit rate or 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA).

You and your wife should strongly consider using our maximization software to compare your options and determine your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry