For some people, it makes sense to start drawing Social Security benefits before reaching full retirement age (FRA). But there are restrictions that attend this decision to draw benefits early.
The Social Security Administration considers the act of drawing benefits as retirement. This means that recipients are restricted as to how much additional income they can earn while drawing benefits before reaching FRA. But if you’re married, does your spouse’s income apply to this limited income?
Full Retirement Age Depends on Birth Year
Social Security’s full retirement age depends on what year you were
born. For instance, if you were born between 1943 and 1954, your FRA is 66. But if you were born in 1960 or later, your FRA would be 67. But you can start receiving Social Security at 62 at a reduced rate. There is a restriction to retiring early.
Extra Income Restricted Before FRA
If you retire before FRA, you are limited as to how much income can be earned above and beyond Social Security benefits.
