Wife reaches FRA in August 2019. Born 8-15-1953. I am younger and the higher earner. Born 12-15-1955. The best strategy for us is to file simultaneously so she can file a restricted application for spousal benefit and let her benefit grow. The question is; what month should we do this. Does August count as a FRA month (first payments in September) or do we have to wait until the month after (first payment in October)? Very clear that if claiming at 62 it is the month after, but at FRA it seems the actual month of the birthday is okay for both restricted claim and without a reduced benefit.

Hi,

Your wife's month of full retirement age (FRA) attainment would be August, and that's the first possible month that she could file a restricted application for spousal benefits only. A person doesn't need to be FRA for an entire month in order to qualify for their FRA benefit rate (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300615015).

If you haven't already done so, you may first want to strongly consider using our software to compare all of your options in order to make sure that you're choosing the best possible filing strategy.

Best, Jerry