My wife and I are both age 63 (born in Nov 1953), and my wife is receiving her early benefits. Can I file for spousal benefits only, without being deemed (forced) to receive my benefits? I want only to receive spousal benefits, till I reach my FRA and then claim my benefits. If able to receive spousal benefits, does this affect my FRA benefits?

Hi,

Unless you have a qualifying child in your care, you can't file just for spousal benefits only before full retirement age (FRA) without also being deemed to have filed for your own retirement benefits. However, if you were born prior to January 2 1954, you can file for spousal benefits only at FRA and allow your own benefit rate to grow until age 70. That may be your best strategy, but you should probably run the maximization software available on this website to be sure.

Best, Jerry