Hi Larry: I'm 72 and began taking my Social Security at 64, My wife will be 64 this June. She is thinking about suspending her own Social Security at age 65 until she is 70, but would like to get spousal benefits based on my record when she turns 65 and begins Medicare. If she suspends her benefits until age 70, but takes spousal benefits at age 65 what would her expected benefit be if my annual benefit is $20,600? Are there any pitfalls that we need to be aware of if she does this?

Hi,

Your wife's plan won't work. Your wife can't suspend her benefits until age 66, which she wouldn't want to do because it would prevent her from receiving spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html). And, if she files for spousal benefits at age 65 she'll be forced to also apply for her own retirement benefits, and her benefit rate(s) will be reduced for age as a result (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

Your wife's best strategy may be to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only when she turns age 66, then file for retirement benefits on her own record at age 70. The maximization software available on this website can tell you whether or not this strategy would be best in her case, and about how much your wife could expect to receive.

Best, Jerry