"[W]hile the new law shuts the door on file-and-suspend for couples who can't pull off the maneuver before the deadline, couples can still take advantage of other strategies for maximizing their Social Security benefits. [Morningstar and Reuters columnist Mark Miller] says it still usually makes sense for the higher-earning partner to delay filing past full retirement age, if possible. Not only does that boost the couple's income if the primary earner lives beyond his or her average life expectancy, it also boosts the surviving spouse's survivor's benefit."