Would my Social Security benefit indeed be affected under this scenario? Thanks, LinHi Lin, Social Security retirement benefits are calculated based on the best 35 years of a person's wage-adjusted earnings on which Social Security taxes were paid. Thanks, BraxHi Brax, She couldn't 'switch', but she could potentially qualify for an excess spousal benefit when you file. The excess spousal benefit would be calculated starting with 1/2 of your full retirement age benefit amount (PIA), then subtracting her own PIA (all of it). If she is at least full retirement age when she starts each benefit, the net result would be that she'd end up with a combined benefit equal to 1/2 of your full retirement age benefit.

Source: Forbes January 17, 2017 15:23 UTC