My wife will be filing for her own reduced benefit of $554 at age 62 (02/09/1956) in February 2018 (her FRA would have been $817 at 66 & 4 months). I will be turning 66 in September 2018 (09/11/1952) and will be filing for my FRA of $2200/month. Will she automatically start receiving her Spousal Benefit when I start receiving my benefits, or does she need to apply? Can she delay applying for the spousal benefit until she reaches her FRA (June 2022) so she can get the full 50% of my benefit? Can this all be done online?

Hi,

No, your wife would not automatically start receiving spousal benefits when you file. She'll need to file a separate application. However, she would be deemed to have filed in the scenario you present, and she wouldn't have the option of delaying her entitlement date beyond your first month of entitlement to benefits on your record. The only claim you mention that couldn't be filed online is your wife's application for spousal benefits.

It sounds like a better option for you may be to file just for spousal benefits only your wife's record at age 66, and then switch to your own record at age 70. You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to compare your options and determine your best overall strategy.

Best, Jerry