The law is pretty clear on this one.

Marital status: Your ex must not be married to anyone else while claiming Social Security spousal benefits on your record. Their work record: Your ex's own retirement benefit must be less than the ...

You're nearing 62 and you're chomping at the bit to sign up for Social Security. You're ready to get back some of the money you've put into the program, and you want as many checks as possible.

Claiming early reduces your own retirement benefit, but it will not affect your partner's spousal benefit. If your partner claims early, that can reduce their spousal benefit by up to 35%. Claiming ...