What Is “File and Suspend”?

The “File and Suspend” strategy has long been a little-known but powerful tool for maximizing Social Security benefits, especially among married couples. In this approach, the higher-earning spouse would file for benefits at full retirement age and immediately suspend them. This allowed their spouse to begin collecting spousal benefits while the primary earner’s benefits continued to grow through delayed retirement credits.

What’s Changing and Why?

On November 2, 2015, President Barack Obama signed legislation that effectively ends this strategy. The new bill gives a 180-day phase-out period, meaning the option to file and suspend will be eliminated within six months of the signing date. The goal of this change is to close what some considered a loophole that allowed couples to collect additional benefits without reducing their own future payouts.

What You Should Do Now

We are currently in the transition window, during which eligible individuals can still take advantage of the file and suspend strategy. If you’ve been advised to consider this option—or were planning to explore it—now is the time to act. After the phase-in period ends, the strategy will no longer be available to new applicants.

For more details or personalized advice, please contact us at Gainplan. We’re here to help you navigate the changing Social Security landscape and make the most of your retirement benefits.

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