Ask Larry

When Should I Apply In Order To File A Restricted Application For Spousal Benefits Only?

(Read your books.) To the point:
*My wife turns 62 in June. She is going to filling for her benefits.
*I turn 66 in August (14th) and plan to apply for the restricted spousal benefit and let mine continue to grow.
*The devil is in the details, that is, the nuances (dates) to make sure you are not submit to deeming. Do I have to Wait until AFTER the 14th to APPLY, wait UNTIL the next month to avoid any possible errors/mistakes to apply etc. Not concerned about losing one month of spousal benefit ($680) but risk losing the value of delaying my benefits. In other words, to play it SAFE, I am thinking of filing in September. Is this the correct move as well as the way to play it safe.

Hi,

You can file your restricted application for spousal benefits up to 4 months in advance of the month you turn age 66, or as late as 6 months after the month you turn 66. The important part is to specify on your application that you want to become entitled to just spousal benefits only effective with the month you turn age 66 (i.e August in your case), and that you do not want to apply for your own retirement benefits. Electing September as your first month of entitlement would simply be forfeiting a month of benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 19 2018 - 10:29am
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