Ask Larry

I will be 66 in two months and have not yet applied for Social Security benefits. My wife will turn 66 three months after me, but she began collecting Social Security benefits as age 63. I plan to restricted application process to file for spousal benefits only when I turn 66 and thereby allow my own benefits to increase until I reach age 70. My question is this: when I file my restricted application, is my wife eligible to change her filing to receive spousal benefits on my work record, or is she locked into her early benefit election?
Thank you.

Hi,

No, your wife can't get spousal benefits at least until you file for your own retirement benefits. When you do start drawing on your own record at age 70, your wife may then qualify for additional spousal benefits if her own full retirement age rate (PIA) is less than 50% of your PIA.

It sounds like the plan you've described in your question would likely be your best option, but you may want to use the maximization software available on this website to be sure.

Best, Jerry