"Restricted application" Social Security filing strategy can pay off for seniors born before 1954

When a door closes, a window opens, they say.

One door that closed this year was a (perfectly legal) option that allowed married couples to boost their lifetime benefits from Social Security. That option, called “file and suspend,” was eliminated by Congress earlier this year in an effort to close loopholes in the program


The open window

Congress did, however, leave a window open, at least for eligible couples, to squeeze all they can from Social Security. That option, called “restricted application,” allows one spouse’s benefits to grow while the couple draw some Social Security payments but not as much as they’ll eventually be entitled to. The goal: super-sized monthly payments after the waiting is over.



get updates