Hi Larry,
Do I qualify for spousal support if my wife applies and suspends her benefits at ( 66 and 6 months )? She is 64 and I am 58 and we both want the maximum retirement benefit at age 70. We are still employed, and would like to collect some benefits until we are eligible for the max benefit at age 70. best, Clarence

Dear Clarence,

I am 66. My wife is 65. I am the higher earner and have a higher benefit. Are there any SS limitations that would prevent me from claiming a spousal benefit if my wife files at 65 v. 66? Thanks, Art

Dear Art,

No, there are no limitations to your filing just for a spousal benefit starting at 66 because you were 62 on or before January 1, 2016. If you do this, you can wait until 70 to take your own retirement benefit at its highest possible value.

In June 2016 I will be turning 66. I am single and have worked as a public school teacher for 6 years. I have worked most of the rest of my career self-employed as an educator. I would like to know if I can still 'FILE AND SUSPEND' my SS Benefits when I turn 66. Is it still possible? (I understand the last date to be able to do this was April 30, 2016). I am hoping to be able to work until I am 70, however, should something come up and I cannot work, I thought this option would be a prudent choice. Please let me know if this is still a possibility for me? THANK YOU, Darlene

I’m going to repeat this information one last time, as it is so critical to so many people.

If you a) are between 66 and 70 or will turn 66 on or before April 30, b) have a spouse who was 62 before Jan. 2, 2016 or have young or disabled children (who became disabled before 22 and remained disabled) and c) want to provide them benefits on your work record while your own benefit is suspended (thus, letting it grow through its age-70 maximum amount), you need to file for your retirement benefit and immediately suspend it by or on this Friday!