I am 67 and receiving S.S. benefits. My wife turned 66 in April and will be filing for Spousal Benefits only and waiting until age 70 to file for benefits from her account. My question is can my wife receive 6 months retroactive payments of spousal benefits since we didn't file in a timely manner of her turning 66, without affecting her DRCs at age 70, or do payments start at the time of filing?

Hi,

Your wife can claim spousal benefits for up to 6 months retroactively, but not for months prior to the month in which she reached her full retirement age of 66 nor for any months prior to your first month of entitlement to benefits. Doing so wouldn't have any effect on her own retirement benefit rate at age 70.

Best, Jerry