My wife and I were both born in 1953. She will be 66 (full retirement age) in July and I in August.

Our plan is for her to file for her retirement benefit effective when she is 66, and for me to file a restricted application for a spousal benefit starting the following month, when I turn 66.

As we are now 3 months from my wife's birthday, my question is this-
Should she file for her benefit now, effective July, and I file at the end of May when I'm 3 months away from my birthday. Or should we wait until the end of May, and then file for both benefits? Does it make a difference?

Thanks for your help.

Hi,

It wouldn't really matter. You can apply up to 4 months in advance of the month you wish to claim benefits, so based on your plan both you and your wife could file your applications as early as April. You may first want to use our software, though, in order to confirm that you're choosing the best possible strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry