I am going in May to Social Security to apply for spousal benefits. My husband thinks I must first file and suspend and then file for spousal benefits. I read your first book. My husband filed and suspended before April 2016. His birthdate is 2/2/1949. My birthdate is 5/11/1951. We both have more than 35 years of work history. I am desperate for your answer. I am going to write the sentence on my sheet at social security that this does not apply to my retirement benefits. It is the statement that I copied off the question and answer sheet (your website). I do not believe I need to file and suspend. Your thoughts?

Hi,

No, you do not want to file and suspend your own retirement benefits. Doing so will prevent you from receiving spousal benefits on your husband's record (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html).

It sounds like your best strategy is to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only effective with May 2017. You can then file separately for retirement benefits on your own record when you reach age 70.

Best, Jerry