Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Spousal benefits can be claimed as early as age 62. This policy allows a spouse to receive a portion of the other spouse's Social Security benefits when they reach this age, provided that the other spouse has filed for their retirement benefits. Claiming spousal benefits at 62 means that the individual will receive a reduced amount compared to what they would receive if they waited until their full retirement age. This option is designed to provide some financial support for individuals who may need income earlier than the traditional retirement age.

In the context of Social Security, the full retirement age typically ranges between 66 and 67, depending on the year of birth, thus highlighting the advantage of being able to access benefits earlier at 62. Claiming spousal benefits at younger ages, such as 60, is not permissible under current Social Security regulations, as this age applies primarily to survivor benefits, not spousal benefits. Hence, the earliest age for claiming spousal benefits remains firmly at 62.