Hi Larry, bought a subscription to your software. Been reading your column for years. My wife is 11 years older than I and is already retired (FRA), she is now 68. She's drawing $1314/mo. I've maxed out SS for 27 years and will do so until I retire. I *thought* I could file/suspend at 62 and she would then get a nice bump with spousal benefits, but your software says I can't file/suspend until I reach FRA, which is a bummer because she will have to wait longer and will be 81. Don't get me wrong, I'll take it, but can you confirm when I will able to file/suspend? Thanks in advance, -Paul

Hi Paul. The earliest that you can file for and immediately suspend your benefits voluntarily is the month you reach full retirement age (FRA). Furthermore, if you voluntarily suspend your benefits then no spousal benefits can be paid while your benefits are suspended. So, filing for and suspending your benefits wouldn't permit your wife to be paid spousal benefits. The soonest that your wife can potentially be paid spousal benefits is when you actually start drawing your benefits.

Best, Jerry