Hello,
My wife and I have run the maximization software. I will be 66 on July 16, 2018. My wife will be 64 on May 1, 2018. The software indicates that she should file for her own benefit in July, 2018, and that I should file for a spousal benefit that same month (July, 2018). Should my wife file before I file? If so, how far in advance of my filing should she file?
Thanks,
David

Hi David,

Both you and your wife can file at the same time, but it's not mandatory. You would both want to elect July 2018 as your month of election to begin benefits if that is what the software recommends. You can file up to 4 months in advance, so you and she can file your applications anytime from March to July of 2018.

Best, Jerry