If one elects to file and suspend their social security benefits until age 70, then:
1. Can one delay them beyond 70 to say age 71?
2. If one can delay them beyond age 70 to say age 71, then will the delayed benefits that should have started at age 70 be paid in bulk? And would the related spousal benefits that could have been applied for at age 70 also be paid in bulk?
I've tried a google search and did find the following on ssa.gov
However, I did not find an equivalent statement for someone who delays benefits until age 70.If you apply for benefits more than 6 months after the month you reach full retirement age, we can only pay benefits for the previous 6 months.
This I understand. I get a bump-up in benefits of ~8%/year from age 66 to age 70, but no bump up (other than COLA) after age 70.There is no additional benefit increase after you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.
So asking the questions another way, can one wait until age 71, to start receiving benefits, and retroactively get paid the benefits for the previous year, as well as their spouse getting the spousal benefits they would have gotten at age 70?