Hi Larry,
I commend and appreciate the great job you are doing serving the community.
I will be 68 in May 2018 and my wife will be 66 in June 2018. We have not claimed RIB yet. My estimate is $2400/month and my wife's $400. My strategy is NOT to claim my RIB till age 70 to maximize. My questions:
1. Can my wife start her RIB at 66, and I apply for restricted spousal benefit ($400 RIB for my wife + $200 spousal) till I attain age 70.
2. At my age 70, I start my own RIB, and my wife apply for spousal benefit to get the max.
3. What would be the best procedure to apply online OR visiting SS office would be preferred?
Your invaluable advise in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Subha

Hi Subha,

The answers to your first two questions are yes, and it sounds like that's almost certainly your best overall strategy. You may want to use our maximization software just to be sure, though.

I don't think it matters whether you file online or in person or by telephone. If you're comfortable filing online at ssa.gov, though, that would probably be the most convenient method. Otherwise, you could call 1-800-772-1213 in order to make an appointment to file by phone or in person. By the way, you won't be able to file your second set of applications online when you reach age 70 unless Social Security expands their online capabilities by then.

Best, Jerry