Thanks for the previous answer! Just one more...

My wife is already receiving her own SS benefits. I will be filing next year and she will be eligible for a partial spousal benefit in addition to her own. Obviously, I have to submit an application to start my own benefits, but I'm not sure if she has to do anything to get her additional partial spousal benefit. I believe SS will automatically trigger her additional partial spousal benefit, in addition to her own. Is this correct, or does she have to apply again somehow for the additional spousal benefit? I don't see a way for her to do that on the SS website. Thanks again for your expertise!

Hi,

No. Your wife must file a separate application to establish entitlement to spousal benefits in addition to her own benefits. She won't be able to do that online, so she'll need to call Social Security to make an appointment to apply when you file for your benefits.

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the various options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry