Larry, after many hours study and deciding what to do with social security, I did purchase Maximizing Social Security and it did confirm what I want to do. I want to clarify 2 minor points. I am 68 and earned far more than my wife and have not taken social security - plan to when I retire in 2 years. My wife with far less earnings turns 66 in December (31st) and will be taking her own social security. I will take her spousal benefit with a restricted application. This is a dumb question, but here it is. a) She can I believe file in September to begin payments in January - is this correct? b) the main question is can I file the restricted application for spousal benefit in September and start getting them in January at the same time she does, or must I wait to apply till she actually starts getting payments. Thanks. And thanks for Maximizing Social Security - if I'd bought it first I'd have saved lots of hours. (and BTW, I enjoyed your book a lot also a few years back)

Hi,

Your wife can apply for her benefits and you can apply for spousal benefits on the same day. You just couldn't apply for spousal benefits prior to when your wife applies for her benefits. And, both of you can apply for benefits up to 4 months in advance of the month that you want to start your benefit entitlement. So, yes, you and your wife could both apply in September and choose the following January as your month of election to start your benefits. Social Security benefits are paid a month behind, by the way, so if you choose January as your month of election to start benefits your first payment will be scheduled for February.

Best, Jerry