At what age can you file a restricted application for Social Security benefits?

Filing a restricted application for Social Security benefits can be done at Full Retirement Age (FRA). This option is particularly useful for individuals who want to claim spousal benefits while allowing their own retirement benefits to grow until later. When you reach Full Retirement Age, you can choose to only apply for spousal benefits, which can maximize your total Social Security benefits over time.

The concept of a restricted application is designed for those who were born on or before January 1, 1954, permitting them to strategically decide which benefit to take first based on their personal financial needs and expected longevity. This strategic approach is not available at younger ages, as filing before Full Retirement Age results in potentially reduced benefits. At ages such as 62 or 65, individuals are limited to filing for their own retirement benefits, which may not be the most advantageous choice if they have the option to wait until FRA to initiate a restricted application. At age 70, while you can maximize your benefits by delaying your own retirement benefits, that's beyond the point of making a restricted application for spousal benefits, which is only relevant up to FRA. Thus, the ability to file a restricted application specifically occurs at Full Retirement Age.