My wife and I both turned 62 prior to the end of 2015, so we are eligible to do a restricted application, as I understand the new law. The questions is this: my wife's own benefit is less than what her spousal benefit will be. I realize she can't claim the spousal benefit until I file, which likely won't be until age seventy. At age 66, however, could she file a restricted application for benefits on her own file and then, when I file, switch over to the larger spousal benefit. If so, seems to be no reason not to do it.

Thank you.

Hi,

Your wife couldn't switch to spousal benefits after filing on her own record, but she could file for her own unreduced retirement benefits at her full retirement age of 66 and then file for additional spousal benefits from your record when you start drawing your benefits. The net result would basically be the same. Furthermore, you could then file for just spousal benefits only when you turn age 66 or when your wife starts drawing her retirement benefits, whichever is later. That would allow you to draw a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your wife's full retirement age rate (PIA) for up to 4 years before switching to your own record at age 70.

Although it sounds like the strategy described above would likely be best based on the limited information in your question, you and your wife should strongly consider using our maximization software in order to be sure.

Best, Jerry