No. The earnings limit ($16,920 in 2017 for beneficiaries who are age 62 through full retirement age) applies only to the income of the person who is collecting a monthly Social Security benefit check. It is that person’s income that determines whether benefits are reduced. One dollar in benefits is withheld for every $2 in earnings above the earnings limit amount.
Where a working spouse’s income will have an effect, however, is in the taxation of Social Security benefits if …