Can I get spousal Social Security top-up before my husband claims his benefits?

you HAVE to wait until he files. ss won't give spousal benefits until the main worker actually files for their own benefits first. its frustrating but thats how it works

The previous commenter is correct. You cannot receive spousal benefits until your husband actually files for his own benefits. This is different from how the system worked before the 2015 rule changes. As for your second question, it's not automatic. When your husband does file, you will need to apply for the spousal benefit. The SSA doesn't automatically know your marital status or that you qualify for the higher amount. You'll need to contact SSA and file an application specifically for the spousal benefit when the time comes.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year! I had to wait until my husband filed, it's just how the system works. But here's a tip - make sure to actually CALL them when your husband does file. They told me it would happen automatically but it didn't, and I lost 3 months of higher payments before I realized something was wrong.

Have you considered if it makes sense for your husband to file early? If he files at 62, you could get the spousal benefit sooner. His benefit would be reduced, but depending on your financial situation and life expectancies, it might be worth looking at the total household benefit over time.

To directly answer your questions: 1. You must wait until your husband files for his benefits before you can receive the spousal top-up. 2. It is NOT automatic - you need to apply specifically for spousal benefits. I recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA about 3 months before your FRA to start your own retirement benefit. Then when your husband files in 2027, immediately contact SSA again to apply for the spousal benefit. Since you're at FRA when starting your benefit, you'll get 100% of what you're entitled to, and later when the spousal kicks in, you'll get your benefit plus the difference to equal 50% of his FRA amount.

my mom had to deal with this. she couldn't get the bigger spousal amount until my dad actually filed. it stinks but thats how it works. and when he did file she had to go to the ssa office to apply for it, they didnt just give it to her

Trying to reach the SSA to ask these kinds of complicated questions is IMPOSSIBLE these days!!! Last month I tried calling for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT and couldn't get through - either busy signals or disconnected after waiting 2+ hours!

One more thing to consider - have you been married for at least 10 years? Just checking because that's a requirement for spousal benefits.

A bit of planning advice: Since your husband isn't filing until 2027, make sure you keep detailed records of your application for your own benefits now, and then set a reminder to apply for the spousal benefit when he files. Many people forget this second step and miss out on increased benefits for months or even years. The SSA doesn't retroactively pay these benefits beyond 6 months in most cases.