Restricted Application Eligibility
Restricted application eligibility — A “restricted application” lets certain people file for a spousal benefit only at Full Retirement Age (FRA) and delay their own retirement benefit to earn Delayed Retirement Credits. Because Congress changed the rules in 2015, this strategy is now limited to a shrinking group based on birthdate and filing status. Use this guide to see if you still qualify and how to coordinate with your household plan.
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Restricted application eligibility: who still qualifies?
- Birthdate cutoff: You must be born on or before January 1, 1954. If you were born January 2, 1954 or later, deemed filing rules apply and you cannot file a restricted application.
- Age requirement: You must file the restricted application at Full Retirement Age (FRA) or later—filing earlier triggers deemed filing.
- Marital status:
- Married: Your spouse must be entitled to retirement benefits for you to receive a spousal payment.
- Divorced: If your marriage lasted 10+ years and you’ve been divorced at least 2 years, you can be “independently entitled” (your ex need not have filed) as long as they’re age 62+.
- Filing history: You must not have filed for your own retirement benefit previously. If you already claimed your own, you can’t switch to “spousal only.”
Restricted application rules: how it pays
- You receive a spousal benefit only (up to 50% of your spouse’s—or ex-spouse’s—PIA) while your own retirement benefit continues to grow with Delayed Retirement Credits until you switch (no later than age 70).
- This is different from “deemed filing,” where filing for one benefit is treated as filing for both. Learn more in Deemed filing rules.
- Survivor benefits are separate; deemed filing does not apply to survivors, and different coordination strategies may exist.
Restricted application for divorced spouses
- Eligibility recap: Born on/before 1/1/1954, marriage lasted 10+ years, currently unmarried (or remarriage ended), age 62+ for ex-spouse.
- Independently entitled: After two years post-divorce, you can claim a spousal-only benefit at FRA even if your ex hasn’t filed.
- Switch later: Let your own benefit accrue Delayed Retirement Credits and switch up to age 70.
Restricted application vs deemed filing
| Feature | Restricted Application | Deemed Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Birth year eligibility | Born ≤ Jan 1, 1954 | Born ≥ Jan 2, 1954 |
| When you can file | At FRA or later | Any filing age |
| Benefit paid now | Spousal only (own delayed) | Own + any spousal “excess” automatically |
| Goal | Grow own benefit with Delayed Retirement Credits | Immediate combined payment; no selective delay |
Examples: how restricted application works
- Married at FRA: Pat (born 1953) files a restricted application at FRA while spouse is already receiving benefits. Pat collects a spousal-only benefit (up to 50% of spouse’s PIA). At 70, Pat switches to Pat’s own higher benefit.
- Divorced at FRA: Kim (born 1952), divorced after a 15-year marriage, has been divorced 2+ years. Kim files a restricted application for divorced spousal benefits at FRA, then switches to Kim’s own benefit at 70.
Planning notes and related rules
- Confirm birthdates and FRA: Strategy hinges on the 1954 cutoff and your exact FRA.
- Coordinate with earnings and taxes: Wages can affect benefit taxation and Medicare IRMAA. See How Medicare & Social Security Work Together.
- Compare alternatives: Review remarriage effects and deemed filing rules to avoid surprises.
- Household income design: If you’re delaying your own benefit, evaluate bridging income (cash flow, annuities). Explore Lifetime Income.
Helpful resources:
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FAQs: Restricted application eligibility
Who can still file a restricted application?
Only people born on or before January 1, 1954 may file a restricted application—and generally only at Full Retirement Age or later.
Do I need my spouse to be receiving benefits?
For married filers, yes—your spouse must be entitled to benefits. Divorced filers can be “independently entitled” if divorced 2+ years and the ex is 62+.
Can I file restricted if I already claimed my own benefit?
No. If you’ve filed for your own retirement benefit, you cannot switch to a spousal-only restricted application later.
Does restricted application work with survivor benefits?
Survivor benefits follow different coordination rules; deemed filing doesn’t apply to survivor benefits. We’ll model the best order for your case.
What if I was born after January 1, 1954?
Deemed filing applies—you cannot file a spousal-only restricted application. See our page on deemed filing rules.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
