Hello Larry. Thanks for the terrific service you provide. I will turn FRA in October 2017 and plan to wait to receive benefits until age 70. My husband receives SSDI. I am considering filing for spousal benefits on his SSDI AT MY AGE 66 (as previously advised). However, when he turns 66 (FRA) in 2020 he will suspend his benefits until his age 70. My question is... Since I will be 68 in 2020 when he suspends his benefits (and my spousal benefits will cease) will my own benefits (on my record) begin and therefore I will not be able to delay until age 70 and receive my higher amount. I don't want to do anything to risk my deferral until age 70 because I was the higher earning spouse. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hi,

Assuming that you are drawing spousal benefits only and your husband voluntarily suspends his benefits in 2020, your spousal benefits will also be suspended at that time. In that case you could still wait until age 70 to file on your own record, but you can't receive any spousal benefits while your husband's benefits are in suspense (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html).

It sounds like filing for just spousal benefits only at FRA and then switching to your own retirement benefits at age 70 is likely your best strategy, but it might be better if your husband doesn't suspend his benefits at least until you reach age 70. You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to determine the best overall filing strategy for you and your husband.

Best, Jerry