My birth date is July 1953. I am currently receiving spousal benefits. Can I delay filing for my retirement benefit at age 70 until January 2024 in order to reduce my income for 2023?

Hi. Yes. If you file an application for your own Social Security retirement benefits in January 2024, you can then claim the benefits retroactively to July 2023. Social Security will continue to pay your spousal benefits until your application for retirement benefits is processed. Assuming that your own benefit rate is higher than your spousal rate, they will then pay you back pay for the difference in the two benefit rates.

Best, Jerry