I am 67 and was drawing SS until I suspended payments until age 70 before April 29 of this year. My wife turns 65 on 6/2/16. Under the new rules can she begin drawing a spousal benefit until my age of 70? If so, will this affect the amount of my benefit beginning at my age 70?

Hi,

Your wife can file for and receive spousal benefits on your suspended account since you suspended prior to April 29th. However, she needs to wait until she turns age 66 in order to file for spousal benefits only without also being deemed to file on her own record. That way she can allow her own benefit to grow by 8% per year from age 66 to 70, which may result in a higher permanent benefit. Of course, that depends on her earnings history, and how it compares to yours. If you haven't already done so, consider running the maximization software available on this website.

The answer to your second question is no. Any spousal benefits your wife receives will have no impact on your benefit amount.

Best, Jerry