File and Suspend

Hi. I read the updated edition of Get What's Yours before Christmas and I confess that I may not have retained some information that I need. I am confused about the "File and Suspend" rule. Was it abolished by the most recent Obama era legislation, or can I still claim it when I turn 66 on October 27, 2019? I was born on 10/27/53 and am single -- never married. No dependents.

Thanks.
A

Hi A,

Current age: 651/2
Divorcee
Spouse: Deceased

I wanted to take advantage of the file and suspend rule:

I wanted to claim my ex-husband's benefits and freeze my benefits until a later time. However the social security agent told me that I could not do it because my spouse's amount was smaller so I could not file and suspend.

I thought that I could collect his at the lower rate until I was ready to claim mine.

Can you you help me understand.

Hi,

I am employed full time and turning 69 in September. I have not registered for Social Security and don't intend to start collecting until age 70. Is there any reason why I should register and suspend before then?

Hi,

Not unless you have some special reason to do so. You'll receive the same amount of delayed retirement credits (DRC) whether you file for and suspend your benefits until age 70, or if you simply wait until age 70 to apply.

Best, Jerry

I filed and suspended 1/1/16 at age 66. My wife may file for ss at age 66 on 12/2/18. Can I file for spousal benefits when she files for ss?

Hi,

Can you please confirm the Social Security (SS) strategy called “File and Restrict” is A). Is a different strategy than “File and Suspend”, the latter no longer permissible; B). File and Resyrict is still available. Two sources inform me File and Restrict is still available: They include 1). A SS agent in person during an on-site meeting & 2). an AARP SS expert who responded in writing. Two other sources inform me it is not available both were SS personnel, one on the phone & one st the front window of a SS office. Thank you.

Hi,

I want to file and suspend my social security benefits on my 2018 application. What wording do I write down on the application to clearly explain to Social Security that I want to File and suspend my benefits? Any suggestions will be helpful.

Thanks CA

Hi CA,

i turned 66 in 2018 my husband will be 65 in july 2018 can we file and suspend

Hi,

My mother is 69 this year (1949) and father is 65 this year (1953). My mother applied for early benefits at age 62. Since my mother is older than my father she was unable to claim spousal benefits which would have been a greater benefit than receiving benefits based on her earnings. My father plans to retire at age 66. I just learned about file and suspend - possibly a bit too late. Can my father file and suspend so that my mother can start collecting spousal benefits now? Or should they just wait to file until my father reaches full retirement age next year?

So, I have filed and suspended my benefits until age 70 before the 2016 April deadline. Are you say when my spouse reaches 66 this coming April she will not be eligible for spousal benifits?

Hi,

Hi Larry,

I have read your very informative book but still have one question. I am turning 66, was married less than 10 years, and have no dependents. I have the resources to delay taking my SS benefits until I turn age 70. Is there any financial or other advantage to doing that over filing and suspending at age 66? Conversely, is there an advantage or benefit conferred by filing and suspending at age 66 over filing at age 70? I understand about the effect on Medicare payments.

Hi,