My wife is 8 years older than me and filed and suspended just prior to the deadline in 2016. So, she's grandfathered in when the new Budget Act closed the loophole. She waited until 70 to start drawing her benefits. I am yet 2 years away from getting to full retirement age. The one caveat is my social security benefit will be substantially more than hers when I reach full retirement. Can I file and draw spousal benefits now and then revert to mine when I reach full retirement age... or 70... without a reduction, penalty, etc. Like many other readers, I have not had good experience with the Social Security Admin employees. It is a lottery win if you get someone that understands what you're asking, much less giving an answer you can count on.

Hi,

No. No one can file for reduced spousal benefits prior to full retirement age (FRA) without being deemed to file for their own Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. And, only people born prior to January 2 1954 are allowed to file just for spousal benefits at FRA without also being deemed to file for their own benefits.

Since you're 2 years away from FRA, I assume that you were born in 1955 or 1956. Therefore, you could never file for spousal benefits without also filing for your own retirement benefits at the same time. The result would be that you'd be paid essentially just the higher of those 2 benefit rates, and your rate would be reduced for age if you start drawing prior to FRA.

It sounds like your probable best option would be to simply wait until age 70 to file for your own benefits, but you may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully explore all of your options so that you can decide for yourself.

Best, Jerry