Hey Larry I'm 65 and have been getting social security payments since I turned 62. My wife who is 66 has not claimed any social security benefits. Since she was born before Jan. 1, 1954 can she now claim spousal benefits on my social security and let hers keep growing? Even though I think that is foolish because I think it would take her forever to get back what she could have collected in the past 4 yrs and the next 4 yrs.

Hi,

Yes, it sounds like your wife would qualify to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only, and doing so would likely be far from foolish. Your wife's own Social Security retirement benefit rate would continue to grow by 8% per year until she reaches age 70 even if she's drawing spousal benefits, so you could argue that it would be like having her cake and eating it too.

All of that said, your wife's best strategy depends on a number of different factors. She should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully explore all of her options so that she can determine the best way to maximize her benefits.

Best, Jerry