My wife turned 62 before the change date of the new file/suspend rules (Jan. 2016). She turns 65 in April 2018; I will be 62 in February 2018. Our SS strategy has always been for her to file & restrict to spousal benefits in April 2019 when she turns 66. To do this - it is my understanding that I would would need to file for SS benefits at the same time (I will be 63 in April 2019). Is that correct? Also - can we employee this strategy earlier? So if I file for early benefits at age 62 (February 2018) can she file and restrict at the same time (she would be 64 years old in Feb. 2018)? Or does she have to wait until she reaches full retirement age (April 2019) before she can collect spousal benefits off my account? Thanks

Hi,

Yes, you would need to be drawing your benefits in order for your wife to qualify for spousal benefits. And no, your wife could not file a restricted application for spousal benefits only prior to her full retirement age (FRA) of 66.

You and your wife should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website prior to filing in order to be sure that you choose the best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry