My husband, the higher earner, will be at FRA during 2/18. I will be 62 during the same month. He intends to file a restricted application and obtain his spousal benefit as soon as possible after I collect my reduced benefit at 62. I plan to apply for my benefits during 11/17, to commence 2/18. Since, at least to us, there seems to be some ambiguity, please specify when he should file his restricted application, as we are not sure if you can do it at the same time that I apply, or soon thereafter, or a couple of days into the month of 2/18, or whether he has to wait until I actually collect that month. Obviously, he would like to commence collecting his spousal benefit as soon as possible, without any lag. Thank you very much!

Hi,

Unless you were born on the 1st or 2nd of February, your first possible month of entitlement to reduced retirement benefits will be March. This is because you must be at least age 62 for an entire calendar month to qualify (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300201001).

If your first month of entitlement is March 2018, that's also the first month that your husband can be eligible for spousal benefits on your record. He can apply up to 4 months in advance, but not before you file your application. You could both file on the same day, though.

Best, Jerry