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:
If you would like more information on differences in benefits, check out our article: What are the different types of Social Security benefits?