How does the Social Security earnings test interact with claiming early as a couple?

If the lower earner in a couple claims before full retirement age but is still working, the earnings test can withhold part of both their own benefit and any spousal benefit they receive, once wages exceed $23,400 (2025). That can undercut the whole point of claiming early for cash flow. The withholding is temporary — benefits are recredited at FRA — but it means a still-working spouse may see little or no net check during the working years. For couples, this usually argues that the spouse who is still earning a meaningful salary should wait until they stop working or reach FRA to claim, while the genuinely retired spouse claims. Map out who works, who claims, and when to avoid surprises. Coordinate both records at wealthserene.com/tools/social-security-optimizer.