Why am I getting spousal benefits before my collection date?

This applies to version of ESPlanner released on or after 01-Nov-2008.

There is another quirk in the Social Security rules that prevent you from separately apply for spousal benefits prior to your full retirement age. This little known feature is called the deemed filing rules in which you are deemed to be filing for all available benefits if you file for reduced benefits. At your full retirement age, you may start receiving spousal benefits separately from your retirement benefits. ESPlanner automatically assumes that you have filed for your available spousal benefits as early as you may receive them without running afoul of the deemed filing rules.

If you start collecting before your full retirement age you will automatically start receiving all other reduced benefits as well.