Duration of audio: 19 minutes   

Background - Timing of application and benefit amount

1. Context

• History
  • OAI
    • 1956 - Introduction of early (pre-65) retirement benefits with actuarial reduction
    • 1961 - Extended to men
    • 1972 - Delayed retirement increment
    • 1983 - Enactment of phased increase in the "normal" or "full" retirement age with related adjustments of early and late retirement increments
  • Spouse benefits
    • Wife (and husband)
    • Widow (and widower)
      • Disabled widow (and widower)
• Numbers
  • OAI
  • Spouse benefit recipients
  • Over time
• Benefit categories untouched by the "early retirement" idea

2. The key references

• The Act
  • § 402(q)
  • Key definitions
    • § 416(l)
• The regulations
  • 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.410-404.420

3. Interplay of deductions

• Widow or widower "inheriting" the worker's deduction
  • 20 C.F.R. § 404.338
• Secondary beneficiary who also has primary benefits
  • 20 C.F.R. § 404.411
• Relationship to "excess earnings" reductions
  • 20 C.F.R. § 404.412