My wife turned 66 on Jan. 25, 2017 and will be retiring on March 2, 2017. I will turn 66 on Aug. 22, 2017 but will not be retiring for perhaps another year or so. My earnings have been been more than double hers for most of our 47 year marriage. What is our best option for filing?
Thanks,
Dan

Hi Dan,

My guess is that the best option may be for your wife to start drawing her benefits either now or in August 2017, which would enable you to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only on her record effective with August 2017. You could switch to your own record at age 70, at which time your wife might also qualify for an excess spousal benefit on your record.

Rather than relying on guesswork, however, you should strongly consider subscribing to the maximization software available on this website. That will allow you to compare all of your possible options in order to determine the best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry