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Understanding the Earnings Test and Spousal Benefits for Early Retirement

hey marc! maximizing benefits Apr 11, 2024

I have a question in regard to spousal benefit for my clarification.  If I have a client that is 63 and his wife is 62. She has her own work record but is a much lower income earner. If she elects to turn on her benefit early (age 62) and for a reduced benefit amount and her husband waits until age 70, will her benefit be subject to the earnings test? I think the answer is yes but want clarification. When the husband turns his benefit on at age 70, she can apply for and get the step up in benefits. Do I have that correct?

You are correct, her retirement benefit is subject to the earnings test at age 62.  And she is eligible for the spousal benefit boost when husband turns on his SS benefit at age 70.

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