My wife is 2 years older than me. Her full retirement benefit will be less than half mine. If she starts collecting before full retirement age, will the reduction in her benefit continue when I retire at full retirement age? For example, if the reduction in her payment for retiring early is $200/month, when I retire will she get half my payment, minus $200?

Hi,

Yes, assuming that your wife is at least full retirement age when she becomes eligible for spousal benefits, her total benefit would be half of your full retirement age benefit (PIA) minus whatever dollar amount reduction she took for filing early on her own account.

You may wish to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to clarify all of your options.

Best, Jerry