Ask the Expert: Reduced benefits
Photo credit: iStock | Social Security retirement benefits are permanently reduced if you claim them before reaching your full retirement age, whether they're based on your work record or on your spouse's record.
I'm a 72-year-old married woman. I've been receiving Social Security based on my own work record since I was 62. At that time, my own benefit was just a few dollars less than what I'd have received under my husband's work record. But I'm currently receiving $80 a month less than I'd have received if I had taken half my husband's benefit. I can't understand why his benefit has moved up and mine apparently...
