Can I apply for a spousal now and switch for retirement later without loss?
First of all, thank you very much for your column. I have followed your articles for years, read and bought several paperbacks of your first "Get What's Yours" edition, gave it to friends and family. Unfortunately the overnight, uninformed and unwise changes to the Social Security law at the end of 2015 have changed the whole ball game for the worse. I have also been a subscriber to your software, which subscription I plan to renew. Three questions that I would like to have clear in my mind: 1) I am passed FRA since 2015 without having applied for anything yet. When my spouse reaches SS eligibility (62 years old and plus), later in 2016, and provided she files for her own retirement benefit, may I apply for a restricted spousal benefit on her record only, without compromising the "growth" of my own retirement benefit via delayed retirement credits (drc's) till my getting to 70 years old? And 2) If I do so, will I still be able to switch to my (larger) own retirement benefit at 70 without loss? How many days (or months) after she applies for retirement should I apply for a spousal on her record? Thank you very much again!

Sosa,
Yes, you can file a restricted application for spouse's benefits only when your spouse files for their retirement benefit and it will not compromise the growth of your retirement benefit. Yes, you will be able to switch to your higher retirement benefit at age 70. You can apply for spouse's benefits at the same time as your spouse files for their retirement benefit. Social Security works in whole months, so you don't need to time your applications down to the day. In fact Social Security suggests that your file your application 3 or 4 months before the effective month of your benefits.
Best,
Mike