Unclear on restricted application, I will be 66 October 2018, husband will be 66 March 2018, both plan to start collecting SS at age 70. QUESTION: when I turn 66 in October can I file restricted application collecting a spousal benefit even though both of us are delaying SS to age 70? Can he do the same when he turns 66? I have read numerous articles and SSA info on this topic and I am still confused.

Hi,

No. The only way that you could qualify for spousal benefits is if your spouse is drawing retirement or disability benefits on their own record.

If both you and your husband wait until age 70 to start drawing your benefits, you could file a restricted application for spousal benefits only effective with the month that your husband turns age 70 (i.e. March 2022). You could then switch to your own retirement benefits effective with the month you reach age 70 (i.e. October 2022).

Since both you and your husband were born prior to January 2 1954, you have numerous possible filing strategies available to you. You should strongly consider using our maximization software to explore and compare your various options in order to determine the strategy that would be most advantageous in your case.

Best, Jerry