National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NSSA Practice Questions and Study Guide

When Sue starts collecting her Social Security benefits before her Full Retirement Age (FRA), her benefits are subject to an early withdrawal reduction. This reduction remains in effect even when her husband starts receiving his benefits. If she is eligible for a spousal benefit that is calculated based on her husband's work record, her own benefits will not increase due to her husband's benefits. Instead, because she had already reduced her retirement benefit by claiming early, she will receive a smaller spousal benefit, also known as a spousal boost, if applicable.

In essence, her overall benefits will be limited to the reduced amount she receives due to claiming early. This reflects how early claiming impacts not only her own retirement benefit but also her potential spousal benefits, leading to a reduced spousal boost, rather than an increase or having her benefits stop entirely. Thus, the correct interpretation of the situation is that she will receive a reduced spousal boost given her early claim of benefits.