Hi Larry,
I was just offered a job in Belgium and am thinking of moving there. I am 62 and my wife turns 66 and she was born before 1954. The job pays well and I know that claiming social security benefits before 66 would impact the amount I receive. However, I would like my wife to file a restricted application to receive the 'free' spousal benefit and she is only able to do so if I file. My question is if I do file for benefits do the earnings I receive from foreign income count against my social security benefit? I am assuming as long as my foreign income is not subject to the US social security tax then it should not be detrimental to my social security benefit but I am not sure. Thanks for your help!

Hi,

The amount of your foreign earnings wouldn't matter, but your Social Security benefits could be subject to withholding based on Social Security's foreign work test (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.18/handbook-1823.html). Until you reach your full retirement age, neither you or your wife could be paid benefits from your record for any month(s) in which you work more than 45 hours at a job outside the U.S. that is exempt from Social Security taxes.

Best, Jerry