How Does Claiming Social Security Early Affect Spousal Benefits?

How much will my spousal benefit be if I claim it at 62 and my spouse retired at full retirement age

Receiving a spousal benefit does not affect the amount of your spouse's retirement benefit. That's based on his or her own earnings history and claiming age.

Under Social Security's , you can't separately claim retirement and spousal benefits. When you apply for one, you're applying for the other, if you're eligible. Social Security will pay you whichever benefit amount is higher.
Updated December 23, 2021

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