Larry
I filed and suspended 4 years ago when I was 66 before the deadline. My wife was 62 at the time. I will be turning 70 in July and I will start drawing my benefit. Is there anything I should be aware of before I take my first payment Iin August? Could I have done a spousal benefit from my wife’s social security benefit? She had a small work history but will have a bigger SS benefit drawing 1/2 of mine when she turns 66 in June.

Hi,

Since you were born prior to January 2 1954 you could have filed just for spousal benefits when you reached your full retirement age (FRA) and then switched to your own record at age 70, but only if your wife was drawing either Social Security retirement or disability benefits on her own record. That's water under the bridge now, though, since it's too late to go back and undo what's been done. And, if your wife would have started drawing her own benefits at age 62 she'd be stuck with that reduced benefit rate for as long as both of you are living, even if she later qualifies for additional spousal benefits on your record.

As long as you've filed for and suspended your benefits you shouldn't need to do anything if you want your benefits to start effective with age 70. Social Security should automatically initiate payment of your benefits at your full age 70 rate. Before that happens, you may want to double check to make sure that they have your correct bank information for direct deposit. Also, If your wife hasn't yet filed for spousal benefits she'll need to file an application in order to establish entitlement to benefits on your record. She'll want to start drawing her spousal benefits no later than effective with the month that she reaches her FRA.

Best, Jerry