Can I get higher Social Security benefits if my husband's income is double mine?

Yes, you're referring to spousal benefits! If your own Social Security retirement benefit would be less than 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), you can receive the higher amount as a spousal benefit. So if your benefit would be $1,500 and his would be $3,200, you could potentially receive $1,600 (50% of his) instead of your $1,500. But there are important rules and timing considerations to maximize this benefit.

my mom got this! she only worked part time most of her life and dad had big income. she gets way more from his record than hers. its the best deal for couples with different incomes

You're definitely on the right track! What your neighbor was talking about is called a spousal benefit. Since your husband's earnings are significantly higher, you may qualify for up to 50% of his benefit amount if that's more than your own retirement benefit. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your husband must file for his benefits first before you can claim spousal benefits 2. You get the higher of either your own benefit or up to 50% of his (depending on your filing age) 3. If you claim before your Full Retirement Age (probably 67 for you), your spousal benefit will be reduced permanently 4. Unlike regular retirement benefits, spousal benefits don't increase if you wait beyond your FRA At your current income levels, it's very possible the spousal benefit would be advantageous for you.

To answer your questions: 1. PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) is the benefit a person would receive if they begin taking Social Security exactly at their Full Retirement Age. It's based on their highest 35 years of earnings. 2. Yes, your husband must file for his retirement benefits before you can receive spousal benefits. This is called the "deeming" rule. 3. However, if you need to retire earlier than him, you can start with your own benefit, and then when he files later, you can switch to the spousal benefit if it's higher (though there will be reductions if you're under FRA).

Yes, if you file for benefits before your Full Retirement Age, the early filing reduction will affect your spousal benefit too. The reduction is permanent and can be substantial - up to 30% if you file at 62. For example, if your full spousal benefit would be $1,600 at your FRA, but you file at 62, you might only get around $1,120 for life. This is why timing is so critical with Social Security claiming strategies. Also, be aware that in 2023, the SSA changed some rules around how benefits are calculated when you switch from your own to spousal benefits. It's important to get updated information directly from SSA before making your decision.

Try getting a straight answer from SS about this!!! I've been trying for WEEKS to get someone on the phone to explain my spousal options. Either you sit on hold for 3+ hours or they just disconnect you. So frustrating!!! I finally got through yesterday and then the agent gave me conflicting information about my options. How are we supposed to plan retirement when we can't even get consistent answers??????

you guys are making this way harder than it needs to be! just go to ssa.gov and make an account and it shows your estimate right there. my wife logged in and saw what she'd get on her own record vs spousal and its all calculated for you

The MySocialSecurity account doesn't automatically show spousal benefit estimates - it only shows your own retirement benefit. For spousal estimates, you need to either call SSA directly or use their detailed calculators. One important point that hasn't been mentioned yet: if you're still working when you claim benefits before FRA, the earnings test may apply. For 2025, if you earn more than approximately $22,500 while receiving benefits before FRA, SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. Also, the 50% spousal benefit is reduced by your own benefit amount. You don't get both. So if your benefit is $1,500 and 50% of your husband's is $1,600, you'd get your $1,500 plus $100 additional as the spousal portion.

Correct - you don't get both benefits added together. The way it actually works is: 1. You get your own retirement benefit amount 2. If 50% of your spouse's benefit is higher than your own benefit, you get the DIFFERENCE added on So in your example with your $45K salary vs his $96K salary: - Your benefit might be around $1,500/month - His might be around $3,200/month - 50% of his would be $1,600 - You would receive your $1,500 + $100 extra = $1,600 total This is why for couples with very disparate incomes (like one spouse who didn't work much or at all), the spousal benefit is more significant.