SS Income Limits and Marital Status

[LuckyDog]

I am not yet FRA but am considering taking SS now. I have no earned income, but DW will have made more than $20K this year and $20K last year. We file a joint tax return. My question is: will DW's earned income this year and last year cause a reduction in my benefits because of the income limit rule?

 

[omni550]

I am not yet FRA but am considering taking SS now. I have no earned income, but DW will have made more than $20K this year and $20K last year. We file a joint tax return. My question is: will DW's earned income this year and last year cause a reduction in my benefits because of the income limit rule?

What income limit rule are you referencing?


omni

 

[LuckyDog]

The rule states that if you have not reached FRA and have earned income of more than $17040 (for 2018) your SS benefit will be reduced by$1 for every $2 that you earn over that limit.

 

[Al18]

LuckyDog,
I believe the earned income rule would only apply to the person claiming SS.


Since you don't have any earned income and you are claiming SS, the rule would not apply.

 

[Al18]

LuckyDog,
Looks like I was correct - see answer https://www.forbes.com/sites/kotlikoff/2018/06/08/ask-larry-%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8Bdo-i-need-to-file-and-suspend-my-social-security-retirement-benefits/#168ca82a30bd