Social Security AI gave me wrong advice about restricted applications - who else is eligible for this strategy?

You're absolutely correct! You're in that sweet spot of being born before January 2, 1954, which means you're grandfathered into the old rules. You CAN file a restricted application for spousal benefits at your Full Retirement Age (which you've already reached) while letting your own retirement benefits continue to grow until 70. Those delay credits are worth 8% per year, so delaying from 66 to 70 will give you a 32% higher monthly benefit for life. Meanwhile, you collect spousal benefits (typically 50% of your wife's Full Retirement Age benefit amount) for those 4 years. This strategy was eliminated by the 2015 Budget Act for anyone born on or after January 2, 1954, so you're one of the last groups able to use this valuable technique. Just make sure when you file that you specifically tell SSA you want to file a "restricted application for spousal benefits only." Some claims representatives aren't familiar with this option since it's being phased out.

my sister tried this last yr and they ended up filing her for EVERYTHING even tho she kept saying restricted application!!! be super careful and make sure they understand exactly what ur asking for!!! get names of who u talk to!!

I successfully filed a restricted application in 2018 (born in 1952). Here's exactly what worked for me: 1. I used the specific phrase "I wish to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only under Section 202(r) of the Social Security Act." 2. I brought a printed copy of POMS section GN 00204.020 which specifically addresses restricted applications. 3. Most importantly, I reviewed the application before signing to verify it ONLY showed spousal benefits. They had initially tried to process both. 4. I got a confirmation in writing that my own retirement benefits were NOT being processed. That strategy has been great - I've been collecting about $1,400/month in spousal benefits while my own benefit has continued growing. I'll switch to my own (much larger) benefit when I turn 70 next month.

wait i thought they got rid of this filing loophole completely?? my financial advisor told me this was gone and not to even try it

I used Claimyr to get through to SSA when I filed my restricted application last year. The wait times were over 3 hours when I called directly, but with Claimyr I got through in about 15 minutes. Worth it for something this important where you need to talk to an actual person and make sure they understand what you're asking for. You can check them out at claimyr.com - there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver for me since I needed to get this right the first time.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! They purposely make these rules complicated so people don't get what they deserve! My husband and I missed out on this strategy by FIVE MONTHS because he was born in May 1954. FIVE MONTHS cost us thousands of dollars!!! And now they're practically impossible to reach by phone when you need help. The whole system needs to be torn down and rebuilt!!

Just wanted to update everyone - I successfully filed my restricted application yesterday! I used some of the advice here (especially bringing a printout of the POMS section) and was very explicit about wanting ONLY spousal benefits while my own continue to grow until 70. The representative initially seemed confused but after I showed the documentation, they understood. I double-checked the application before signing to make sure it only showed spousal benefits. It'll mean about $1,250/month for the next four years while my own benefit grows to about $3,400/month at age 70. Thanks everyone for your help! Hopefully this thread helps others in my generation who still qualify for this strategy.