Can my husband claim spousal benefits on my Social Security when I file at FRA in 2025?

Thank you so much for this info! That's a relief to know it happens automatically. I was worried we'd have to file separate applications and possibly miss out on benefits. I'll definitely check out that service if we run into any issues - we've had trouble getting through on the SSA phone lines before too.

This is partially correct. The spousal benefit is indeed up to 50% of the primary worker's benefit at their full retirement age. However, it's not a waste of time to check - the system will automatically determine this when the OP files for benefits. Since her husband already claimed his own retirement, if the spousal benefit would be higher, he'll be automatically adjusted to the higher amount. With firefighters, it depends on whether the department participated in Social Security. Some firefighters are covered by pension systems that don't participate in Social Security, which is where WEP/GPO considerations come into play.

While it's true that SSA is working through a backlog of WEP-related recalculations, this shouldn't affect a standard spousal benefit application. The WEP recalculation process is separate from initial benefit applications. If the OP's husband is affected by WEP due to his firefighter pension, his own benefit might be reduced, but that's already been calculated since he's receiving benefits. The spousal benefit calculation would be based on the already-WEP-adjusted amount. The bigger concern might be GPO (Government Pension Offset) if his firefighter pension comes from non-covered employment, which could reduce any spousal benefits. But this process is still functioning, even if processing times are longer than usual.

You're bringing up an important point about deemed filing. Under current rules (for people born after January 1, 1954), when you file for one benefit, you're deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for at that time. However, in the OP's case, her husband already filed for his retirement benefits years ago. When she files at her FRA in 2025, the system will check if he's entitled to a higher amount based on her record. If so, he'll receive an increase to bring his benefit up to the higher amount. The spousal benefit would be reduced from the full 50% if he took his own retirement early (which it sounds like he did), and he'll only get the difference between his current benefit and the spousal amount if the spousal would be higher.

That's a great tip about printing the statement beforehand! I'll definitely do that. So glad to hear it worked smoothly for you and your wife - that's reassuring.

That's excellent advice. I was planning to apply about 2 months before, but I'll make it 3-4 months instead. Better safe than sorry with the current backlogs. Thanks!

Great question! Yes, GPO (Government Pension Offset) is different from WEP and specifically affects spousal and survivor benefits. If the OP's husband receives a pension from a government job where he didn't pay Social Security taxes (some firefighter positions are like this, others aren't), then the GPO could reduce his spousal benefits by two-thirds of his government pension amount. In some cases, this can eliminate the spousal benefit entirely. However, if his firefighter position was covered by Social Security (meaning SS taxes were withheld from his paychecks), then GPO wouldn't apply. OP - you might want to check whether your husband's firefighter position was "covered" or "non-covered" employment for Social Security purposes, as this makes a big difference.