Dear Larry,
In February I ask a question concerning benefits and Jerry answered me saying I could get restricted spousal benefits on my wife's retirement as she retired in 2015.
I applied by paper application and by certified mail (which incidentally, confused the hell out of the ss people at my local office LOL)
The local agent informed me that my maximum ss benefit at age 70 would be reduced by a commensurate amount if I took on my wife's benefits. Is this true? I have reached full retirement age in October but have decided (if my health holds out) to wait till 70 to get my maximum benefit.
I read your earlier book, "Getting whats Yours" and became overly enthusiastic perhaps hysterical in my haste to apply for benefits.
When I read your recent book I comprehend (do I) that the Budget Reconciliation Act took that "spousal benefit" away and decided I was deeming to retire and therefore I cannot get the money that I thought the I was going to get on spousal benefits.
I am getting mixed messages regarding same. Some people say because I was born before 1952 that I may get spousal benefits as your earlier book indicated. I am afraid to apply and then become disappointed if I reduce my max. benefits.
As the rag sheets say, "Inquiring minds want to know."
If as I believe is true, I cannot get benefits without reducing my max then I would suggest that Jerry et al be careful about comments made as it could lead to disappointment on the part of confused seniors such as myself as the whole SS thing is as you say complex and chaotic.

Paul
P. S. I have not completed the entire restricted application process!

Hi Paul,

If you were told by a Social Security representative that filing for just spousal benefits only at your full retirement age (FRA) or later would reduce the amount that you would receive on your own record at age 70, then that representative was absolutely wrong. You may want to consider asking to speak with a technical expert or supervisor.

The fact is that since you were born prior to January 2 1954 you can file for spousal benefits at FRA or later without being deemed to have also filed for benefits on your own record (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). You can then continue to accrue delayed retirement credits on your own record until age 70 (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/delayret.html). Therefore, drawing just spousal benefits only from FRA until age 70 would have no adverse effect on your own age 70 retirement benefit rate.

Best, Jerry