I will be filing for Social Security at FRA for January 2018, husband filing at FRA for April 2018. I understand when I file, I will be deemed to have also applied for spousal benefits, but have to fill out an application to establish such. Do I need to wait until April to file for spousal benefits or am I able to file ahead of time when I file for my husband's SS for April? Also, is there a specific SS application for the spousal benefits? My benefit will be around $800, husband's around $2400. Thanks for your help.

Hi,

Since you were born prior to January 2 1954, you won't be deemed to file for spousal benefits if you file for your own benefits at full retirement age (FRA) (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). You'll need to file separate applications for retirement and spousal benefits, and you can apply up to 4 months in advance of your month of entitlement to each type of benefit.

When Social Security had paper applications the application for spousal benefits was an SSA-2, but those numerical designations are no longer commonly used by Social Security.

Before filing, you and your husband may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore your filing options and determine your best strategy. Since your husband was also born prior to January 2 1954, he would have the option of filing just for spousal benefits only on your record at FRA while allowing his own benefit rate to grow until age 70. That would not only raise his benefit rate by 32%, but would also increase your potential widow's rate by 32% should your husband die before you.

Best, Jerry