Larry,
I was at the Social Security office today, offering paper work for my wife'=
s application. As I was there, I wanted to know if I had to wait until I turned 66 to file an restricted application, I turn 66 in March 2019, the young lady told me that I didn't need to wait since I was filling against my wifes earnings, Everything I have read indicated I would have to waituntil I turned 66 to file my restricted application, Which is correct??
Thanks for your help
Ken

Hi Ken,

Social Security allows people to file their applications up to 4 months in advance of the month that they want to start their benefits. So, if you'll be reaching age 66 in March 2019 you could file a restricted application for spousal benefits now, provided that you choose March 2019 as your month of election to start spousal benefits and your wife elects to start her benefits in March 2019 or sooner.

Whatever you do, though, don't choose a month of election earlier than the month you turn 66, because that would result in your being deemed to have also applied for your own retirement benefits. The only exception to that would be if you happen to have been born on March 1st, in which case you'd want to choose February as your month of election. Social Security considers you to reach your next age on the day prior to your birthday, so people born on March 1 1953 would be considered by Social Security to reach age 66 on February 28 2019.

Best, Jerry