I was born before 1954 and, based on information I read in your excellent book, I know I am eligible to file for a restricted application on my younger wife's benefit (born in 1954) once she actually begins taking her benefit and let mine earn additional credits until age 70. We are planning on doing this in the early part of 2020. But, recently, I have read some articles on-line and in print that are stating that the ability to apply for a restricted benefit will end at the end of 2019. Is there any truth to this deadline?

Hi,

No, there's no specific deadline for filing a restricted application. I assume that the articles you read intended to convey that only people who reach full retirement age (FRA) before January 2 2020 can file a restricted claim for spousal benefits without also being deemed to be filing for their own Social Security retirement benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). That doesn't mean, however, that you won't still be able to file a restricted application for spousal benefits after 2019.

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software to compare all of your various filing options so that you can choose the best possible strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry