If both husband and wife reach FRA this year but one of them is going to claim ss benefit but other one planning to work until 70, how can that person claim for half of spousal benefit.

Hi,

At age 66, the spouse not filing on their own record can apply for spousal benefits only on the record of the spouse who is receiving their retirement benefits. Only people born prior to January 2 1954 are permitted to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

In order to apply, the spouse needs to contact Social Security and file a claim for spousal benefits. This can be done online, but you need to make sure to restrict the scope of your application to spousal benefits only. I would suggest adding a statement in remarks such as: 'I wish to restrict retirement benefits on my own record from the scope of this application'. Or, you can apply in person at a Social Security office, or by telephone at 1-800-772-1213.

You may want to consider running the maximization software on this website in order to be sure that you choose the best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry