Hi Larry, I'm currently receiving spousal benefits on the second Wednesday of each month. I will turn 70 at the end of May, 2022. What month/date should I apply for benefits on my own record so that there is a clean break from spousal benefits, and my own retirement benefits start when I’m considered to be 70, and not before that? Is there a grace period they give to do this? Thank you.

Hi. Even if you don't turn age 70 until the latter part of May 2022, for benefit calculation purposes Social Security will consider you to be age 70 for that full month. Therefore, if your own Social Security retirement benefit rate will be higher than your spousal rate, you'll want to claim your benefits effective with May 2022 in order to get your highest possible monthly benefit rate. Social Security allows you to apply for benefits up to 4 months in advance, so you can file your application now.

It isn't called a grace period, but since you're past full retirement age (FRA) you could apply for benefits up to 6 months after the month that you want to claim benefits. So, assuming that you want to claim your own benefits effective with May 2022, you could apply as early as January 2022 or as late as November 2022.

Best, Jerry