My wife at age 66 (her FRA) filed a "restricted spousal only" application in 2018. That process went very well and she has been receiving 1/2 of my PIA since that filing. She turns 70 in 2022 and we want to file then for her own full benefit which will be more than 1/2 of my PIA. Does she need to file at a Social Security office or can that be done online via the SSA site. What info will be needed and if at the SSA office does she need an appointment. Thank you in advance

Hi. Nothing on Social Security's website indicates that your wife couldn't use online filing to apply for her own benefits, so she should probably try that first. If that doesn't work and if Social Security's offices are still closed when you wife applies, her only other option would be to apply by phone. She can make an appointment to do that by calling 800-772-1213. You can find more information about filing options on the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/apply.html#h2.

Best, Jerry