Ask Larry

Can My Wife File A Restricted Application?

I am writing for my wife. My wife was born on 4/15/52, we have been married for 21 years and I have been collecting SS benefits for 10 years. My wife was married to her first husband for 19 years and divorced in 1993 and has NOT applied for SS benefits. Is my wife eligible for SS restricted application?

Hi,

Yes, since your wife was born prior to January 2 1954, she could file for spousal benefits on your record at age 66 and let her own benefit rate grow until age 70. This is likely her best filing strategy, but she may want to run the maximization software available on this website in order to be sure.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 9 2017 - 7:30am
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