If your spouse was born after January 1, 1954, the short answer is usually 'no' – they can't simply choose to collect only a spousal benefit based on your higher earnings while letting their own Social Security benefit grow. Social Security rules were changed to prevent this strategy, known as 'file and restrict' or 'restricted application for spousal benefits,' for most people born after this date.
What’s Happening
Before 2016, Social Security allowed a strategy known as 'file and restrict' or 'restricted application.' This meant that if you had reached your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you could choose to claim *only* a spousal benefit while allowing your own Social Security benefit to continue growing until age 70, earning valuable Delayed Retirement Credits. This was a popular way for couples to maximize their total lifetime benefits.
However, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 largely eliminated this option for anyone born on or after January 2, 1954. If your spouse was born on or after this date and applies for *any* Social Security retirement or spousal benefit, they are now 'deemed' to have applied for *all* benefits they are eligible for. The Social Security Administration will then automatically pay them the higher of the two benefit amounts (their own benefit or the spousal benefit). They no longer have the choice to 'restrict' their application to only spousal benefits.
Why This Matters for Retirees
This rule change significantly impacts how couples plan for retirement income, especially if there's a large difference in your individual earnings records. If you were counting on a strategy where one spouse collected a spousal benefit while the other's personal benefit grew, that strategy is likely off the table for many couples nearing or in retirement today.
For most retirees whose spouses were born after the 1954 cutoff, there's less flexibility in how you can coordinate your Social Security claims. Instead of strategically maximizing one benefit while deferring another, your spouse will simply receive the highest benefit they're entitled to at the time of application. This means couples must now focus more directly on individual benefit amounts and coordinated claiming ages, rather than relying on the previously available 'restricted application' trick.
The Hidden Risk Most People Miss
The biggest hidden risk is operating under outdated assumptions. Many people hear about Social Security strategies from friends, family, or older articles that might refer to rules that no longer apply to them. You might mistakenly believe your spouse can still claim a spousal benefit while their own benefit keeps growing, only to find out this isn't an option when they go to apply.
This misunderstanding can lead to a less-than-optimal claiming strategy, potentially leaving thousands of dollars in lifetime benefits on the table. For example, if your spouse waits to claim their own benefit past their Full Retirement Age, assuming they can take a spousal benefit first, they might miss out on drawing *any* benefits during that period or find that their own benefit isn't growing as expected if they were 'deemed filed' on their own record when they applied for spousal benefits.
What You Can Do About It
Even with the rule changes, careful planning can still help you make the most of your Social Security benefits. Here are practical steps:
Confirm Birth Dates: First, verify the exact birth dates for both you and your spouse. The January 1, 1954, cutoff is critical. If your spouse was born *on or before* January 1, 1954, they *may* still be able to use the restricted application strategy if they reach Full Retirement Age before December 31, 2019.
Estimate Both Benefits: Log in to your personal mySocialSecurity account on the SSA website to get accurate estimates of your own and your spouse's benefits at different claiming ages (Full Retirement Age, age 70, etc.). Do the same for your spouse's account.
Understand Spousal Benefit Calculation: A spousal benefit is generally up to 50% of the *higher earner's* Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit. Your spouse's actual spousal benefit will be reduced if they claim it before their own FRA.
Compare Your Spouse’s Options: For your spouse born after 1954, if they apply for benefits, they will automatically get whichever is higher: their *own* Social Security benefit (calculated based on their work record) or the spousal benefit (50% of your FRA benefit).
Maximize the Higher Earner’s Benefit: If you are the higher earner, consider delaying your claim past your Full Retirement Age, up to age 70. This increases your own monthly benefit by 8% per year for each year you delay. A higher primary earner benefit also increases the potential maximum spousal benefit for your partner and, importantly, the survivor benefit your spouse would receive if you pass away.
Coordinate Claiming Ages: Work together to determine the optimal claiming age for each of you, considering your health, other retirement income sources, and your overall financial goals. This is about total household benefits, not just individual ones.
Utilize SSA Resources: The Social Security Administration's website (SSA.gov) offers calculators and detailed information on benefit rules. Don't hesitate to call or visit your local SSA office for personalized information regarding your specific situation.
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About JP
JP Sansaricq is a licensed real estate broker and retirement income specialist based in Florida.
He helps individuals and families turn their assets - including savings, home equity, and retirement accounts - into sustainable income strategies designed to last through retirement.
This article is part of an ongoing series focused on helping retirees make informed financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
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