In March 2015, my wife (age 65 years, 7 mos) filed for her own benefits only (we think). In the same month, I (age 66) applied for spousal benefits on her record, to let my own benefits grow until age 70. Both of our full retirement ages are 66. I plan to file for my benefits at age 70 (March, 2019) and at the same time, have my wife apply for spousal benefits on my record, planning on spousal to be higher than her own. I'm hoping the "deeming rules" do not side track this plan for her to switch to higher spousal benefits on my record. Also, when should I make my delayed benefits effective to make the most of them, in January 2019 or March 2019? Willing to sacrifice a couple months growth to receive the bulk of the increase in early 2019. Thanks.

Hi,

You'll need to decide for yourself between selecting January vs. March (age 70) for the month to start your retirement benefits. What you would be choosing if you go with January would mean giving up 1.33% in your permanent benefit rate in return for 2 months of the difference between your own rate vs. your spousal rate plus any spousal benefits for which your wife might qualify for those 2 months. And, by the way, that 1.33% lower rate would also apply to your wife's widow's rate should you die before her. You may want to strongly consider using our maximization software to compare your options in order to make sure that you understand the long-term consequences of your decision.

As for deeming, your wife wouldn't have been deemed to have filed for spousal benefits when she filed for her retirement benefits because you hadn't yet filed for your benefits at that time. If she files for spousal benefits when you file for your retirement benefits she'd be eligible for the difference between her own full retirement age rate (PIA) and 50% of your PIA, assuming that the latter is higher. That amount, if any, would then be paid in addition to the reduced retirement rate that she's currently receiving.

Best, Jerry