Hello:
We have run the possible scenarios through the Maximize My Social Security application. My wife will be 65 in March 2018 and I will be 66 in September 2018. The best scenario presented was for her to file now and me to file and suspend in September and apply for Spousal benefits. Some questions concerning the process:
Can I file/suspend and apply for spousal benefits at the same time this September or should they be done separately? We intend to complete all applications online (per your recommendation).
Are there items or sections of the online application that we have to be very careful in attending to? In your book and articles you have sufficiently scared us that we don't want to screw this up.
Thanks.
CS

Hi CS,

You DO NOT want to file for and suspend your own retirement benefits. You simply want to file for spousal benefits only effective with the month in which you reach your full retirement age of 66. You can file your application up to 4 months before then. If you file online, one of the questions on your application will ask 'If you are eligible for both retirement benefits and spouse's benefits, do you want to delay receipt of retirement benefits'. You should answer that question 'yes' in order to restrict your application to spousal benefits only. You will subsequently need to file a separate application for your own retirement benefits when you reach age 70.

By the way, I answer the questions on this forum, but I do not have access to the customer data that you entered into the maximization software program nor your results. If you have questions about the software or your results, please submit an online contact form via the help menu.

Best, Jerry