NY25-03: Do spousal caregivers claim Social Security early to replace or supplement their income?

Providing family eldercare is associated with earlier retirement and worse economic outcomes over caregiver’s lifetimes. One way caregiving may affect financial security is by affecting Social Security claiming behavior. Using a mixed methods approach, we will explore the relationship between spousal caregiving and claiming Social Security. To empirically estimate how spousal caregiving may affect Social Security claiming age, and disparities in effects by gender and race/ethnicity, we will apply bivariate probit regression analysis to Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data linked with administrative earnings records. We will then conduct focus groups of spousal caregivers at Social Security claiming age to determine how spousal caregivers view Social Security as a potential source of income replacement and whether Social Security affects the quantity and quality of care. This project will provide new insights into the ways Social Security policies affect caregiver retirement decisions.