If your spouse is not collecting a retirement benefit when you apply for an early retirement benefit, you will not be deemed to be applying for your spousal benefit.

FORBES: 44 Social Security 'Secrets' All Baby Boomers and Millions of Current Recipients Need to Know - Revised!

But there are, in effect, two spousal benefit formulas and which one you the person who will collect a spousal benefit faces will depend on whether or not you take your retirement benefit early.

FORBES: 44 Social Security 'Secrets' All Baby Boomers and Millions of Current Recipients Need to Know - Revised!

In the 1990s, the rise in unemployment was masked by many people taking early retirement and going on disability benefit - something which has not happened so far.

BBC: A tale of three recessions