Larry:

I just turned 62, but will continue working full time until I am 66 and 2 months. My annual W2 is about $200k. My wife is 62 1/2 and does not work. If she file for her benefits now, will my income be included for her earnings test recognizing we file joint married. So, can she keep her monthly check or does it get reduced based on my income?

thx

Ernie

Hi Ernie,

No, only your wife's own earnings would count toward the earnings test limit if she's receiving reduced retirement benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

Before filing, both you and your wife may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry