Larry, great software!

I have been using the software to figure out the optimal filing dates for myself (DOB 5/5/51 with FRA @ 66 in 2017) and my wife (DOB 10/5/52 with FRA @ 66 this Oct '18). We have (tentatively) decided to file for her PIA benefit effective when she turns 66 in Oct '18, and at that time, I will file for my spousal benefit on her account as of that date using the restrictive language you suggest to restrict the scope of my application to spousal benefits only since I will delay filing for my PIA until I turn 70 in 2021. I am not filing and suspending.

This may be a silly question but should we also include restrictive language in her PIA application restricting the scope of her application only to her retirement benefits and not to spousal benefits on my account? I know that theoretically she would not be able to claim spousal benefits on my account since I am not filing for retirement benefits on my own account. But since the deemed filing requirements apply when "you file for either your retirement or your spouse's benefit," it seems to me we should put reciprocal restrictive language in her application to rebut any deemed filing since we were both born pre-1954 and therefore not affected by the 2015 legislation.

Thanks.

Frank

Hi Frank,

No, your wife wouldn't need to restrict spousal benefits from the scope of her retirement benefit application. As long as you're not receiving benefits on your record when she starts drawing her retirement benefits, she wouldn't be deemed to also be applying for spousal benefits. Furthermore, spousal benefits do not increase if you defer filing for them until after full retirement age (FRA), so there is really no need for concern.

Best, Jerry