Restricting an application to spousal benefits and delaying one’s retirement benefit is no longer allowed. Because of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, no one born on or after 1/2/1954 can ever restrict their application to their spousal benefit only, even at or after their FRA.
Divorced individuals can file for a divorced spousal benefit regardless of whether their ex has filed for their retirement benefit as long as both are at least 62 and have been divorced for at least two years. The two year requirement does not apply if the ex has filed for their retirement benefit.
Learn More: What is a restricted application?