When entering filing dates for Social Security benefits, it’s important to follow the rules set by the Social Security Administration to ensure your plan reflects a valid filing strategy.

Key Rule:

  • You cannot file for a spousal benefit until your spouse has filed for their own retirement benefit.

If you try to set a spousal benefit filing date before your spouse’s retirement benefit filing date, the system will show an error because such a filing is not permitted under Social Security rules

Consider Your Inputs:

  • If you plan to receive a spousal benefit, make sure your spouse’s retirement benefit filing date is the same as or earlier than the spousal benefit filing date.

  • If your spouse hasn’t filed yet, you cannot receive a spousal benefit, and should not enter a filing date.

Tips: