Confusion with spousal benefits - received my SS benefit letter but no spousal excess mentioned despite deemed filing rule

This is a common issue with the way SSA processes spousal benefits! When you apply for retirement benefits, the deemed filing rule SHOULD apply, but sometimes the system doesn't automatically recognize and process the spousal component. Here's what's happening: SSA likely needs to verify your marriage details with both you AND your husband before processing the spousal excess amount. That's why they scheduled separate appointments - they need to speak with both of you to confirm details. The verification letter only shows your retirement benefit on your own record because that's the only part that's been processed so far. Once they verify everything, you should receive a modified amount that includes the spousal excess (reduced for early filing, as you noted). The separate appointments are completely normal in these situations.

i had almost the exact same thing happen!!! husband got benefits then when i applied they TOTALLY forgot to add spousal even tho i checked the box on the application. took 3 calls and them swearing up and down nothing was wrong before i finally got someone who knew what they were doing. the problem was that my record and husbands record wernt properly linked in there system. eventually got fixed but took like 2 months. and YES they did backpay from original filing date.

The issue you're experiencing stems from how SSA processes different benefit types. Deemed filing does apply in your situation, but it works differently than most people expect. When you file for retirement benefits, SSA automatically considers eligibility for spousal benefits, but they process them separately in their system. Regarding why your husband received an appointment notification: SSA typically needs to verify information with both spouses because they're accessing his earnings record to calculate your spousal benefits. They need his authorization since they're using his information. Your spousal excess will be calculated as approximately 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (his FRA benefit) minus your own full retirement benefit, then reduced for early filing. Since you filed at 66 and your FRA is 66 and 6 months (for someone born in 1959), you'll see about a 3.3% reduction in the spousal portion. Important: Make sure to attend both appointments, as they need information from both of you to properly process the spousal component. Once processed, your benefits will be adjusted retroactively to your filing date.

This EXACT thing happened to me last year! First they sent me just my retirement, then 3 months later they "discovered" I was entitled to spousal benefits too!!! The SSA is completely BROKEN these days. They can't even follow their own rules about deemed filing! They're supposed to automatically check for all benefits but their computer systems don't talk to each other properly. I had to fight for THREE MONTHS to get the additional spousal amount and backpay. Don't miss either of those appointments!!! The separate appointments thing is because they're stuck in the 1980s with their processing systems. Good luck!!

I've been dealing with this exact situation helping my mom. After months of frustration trying to get through to anyone helpful at SSA, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got us through to an actual SSA agent in under 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. The agent we reached was able to see that mom's spousal benefits hadn't been properly processed despite deemed filing and fixed it on the spot. For your situation, I'd recommend calling before your scheduled appointments to see if you can get it resolved sooner. The separate appointments thing is definitely normal though - they need info from both of you.

To address your specific question about deemed filing - yes, it absolutely applies in your situation, but there's a procedural aspect that's important to understand. Deemed filing means that when you apply for either retirement or spousal benefits, you're deemed to have filed for both. However, SSA still needs to process each benefit type, and they often handle your own retirement benefit first, followed by the spousal component. What likely happened is that your application was correctly filed under deemed filing rules, but the spousal portion is still in processing. The separate appointments suggest they need additional information or verification before finalizing the spousal calculation. After both appointments, you should receive an updated award letter showing: 1. Your reduced retirement benefit ($1,450) 2. Plus your reduced spousal excess (approximately 50% of husband's PIA minus your PIA, further reduced for early filing) All benefits will be paid retroactively to your initial filing date once processed.

Thank you all for these helpful responses! I feel much better knowing this is a common issue with how SSA processes things. I'll definitely make sure both my husband and I attend our scheduled appointments. I might try calling them before then using that service someone mentioned because waiting another month is frustrating. It's ridiculous that their systems don't automatically handle this when deemed filing is supposed to be the rule. At least I know now I should eventually get the spousal excess with backpay to my filing date. I'll update after our appointments to let everyone know how it goes.

the appointment thing is totally normal. my wife and I went through this last year. they need info from both of you because they're checking his records too. just make sure you both answer the phone when they call!

I went through something very similar when I applied for benefits last year! The deemed filing rule definitely applies to your situation, but SSA's processing can be frustratingly slow and disjointed. What you're experiencing is unfortunately pretty common - they process your own retirement benefit first, then handle the spousal component separately even though you filed for both under deemed filing. The fact that they scheduled separate appointments for both you and your husband is actually a good sign - it means they're actively working on processing your spousal benefits. They need to verify information from both of your records before they can calculate and add the spousal excess to your monthly payment. A few tips from my experience: 1) Keep all your confirmation emails for the appointments, 2) Have your marriage certificate handy if they ask for it, and 3) Don't be surprised if the process takes a few more weeks even after the appointments. The good news is that once everything is processed, you'll get backpay to your original filing date for the spousal portion. Your calculation sounds right - with your husband's higher benefit amount, you should definitely qualify for spousal excess even with the early filing reduction. Hang in there, it will get sorted out!