Ask the Expert: Social Security options

I'm 67 years old, divorced and collecting on my ex-husband's Social Security record. I plan to wait until 70 to collect on my own benefits. My 64-year-old married sister wants to do this, too, but we're not sure if the rules for married and divorced people are different. Her husband is 65 and collecting Social Security.

When she's 66, her own Social Security benefit will be greater than her spousal benefit. Even so, at 66 she wants to apply only for her spousal benefit and let her own keep growing. Then at 70, she wants to switch from the spousal benefit to start collecting her own. Can she do this?

Yes — but only if she waits until she's 66 to apply for Social Security.

If she applies for Social Security when she's under her full retirement age, she'll automatically be applying for both her own benefit and her spousal benefit — the latter is 50 percent of her husband's benefit — and she'll receive the larger of the two amounts.

But when you apply after your full retirement age, you can limit your application to your spousal benefit, filing for your own benefit at a later date.

Most people are ineligible for this option because they apply for Social Security early. That's why even Social Security Administration representatives are sometimes unaware of it. But it's explained on the agency's website. At 66, your sister should make an appointment at a local Social Security office and apply for her spousal benefit alone. Tell her not to worry if she's initially told it's impossible. She can show them the rule on the website (see link below), and, if necessary, ask to speak to a supervisor.

The bottom line: People who file for Social Security at 66 have more options.

Websites with more information 1.usa.gov/NZAw1A and aarp.us/ruBDKC