How to apply for spousal benefit top-up when my SS payment is $842 but husband gets $1895 at FRA?

Yes, you should qualify for the spousal benefit since 50% of your husband's FRA benefit ($947.50) is more than your own benefit ($842). The \

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed to know. So I'll still get my own benefit plus the extra amount? I wasn't sure if they would just switch me to half of his or how that worked. I'll call to make an appointment tomorrow!

my sister went thru this last year. its a headache trying to get anyone on the phone. took her 2 weeks of calling

Oh no, that's discouraging. Did she eventually get it sorted out? I was planning to call tomorrow but maybe I should just go to the office instead?

ya she got it but had to keep calling. office near her was booked for like 2 months

I recently helped my mother with this exact situation. Let me provide some more technical details that might help you:1. What you're applying for is technically called the \

THE SSA WEBSITE IS USELESS!!! They make everything sound so simple but when you actually try to do anything it's a nightmare! I tried for THREE MONTHS to get this same benefit and kept getting the run around. Every person told me something different!

I understand your frustration. The SSA website does oversimplify things, and getting consistent information can be challenging. If you're still having issues, I'd recommend asking to speak with a Technical Expert (TE) - they have more specialized knowledge than the regular representatives.

Thank you for such a detailed explanation! This makes much more sense now. I didn't realize they would combine it into one payment - I was picturing getting two separate deposits. And now I know to bring my birth certificate too. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain all of this.

I tried calling Social Security for weeks about my disability benefit and couldn't get through. Someone recommended Claimyr.com to me and it actually worked! It helped me get through to a real person at SSA in about 30 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUMight be worth checking out if you have trouble getting someone on the phone. Good luck with your spousal benefit!

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll try calling the regular number first, but if I have trouble, I'll definitely check that out. I've never heard of it before but anything that saves hours of hold time sounds good to me!

does this really work? seems weird that some outside company can get you through when nobody else can

It worked for me! I was skeptical too but was desperate after being on hold for 3+ hours multiple days. They basically stay on hold for you and call you back when they reach an agent. Saved me so much frustration.

Wait I'm confused. I thought spousal benefits were only for spouses who don't qualify for their own SS? But you're already getting your own benefit of $842? Can someone really get both?

You don't actually get both in full. If your own retirement benefit is less than half of your spouse's, you get your own benefit plus the difference to bring you up to the 50% level. If your own benefit exceeds half of your spouse's, you just get your own benefit with no supplement. It's a common misunderstanding, so you're not alone in being confused about this!

Ohhhh that makes sense. Thanks for explaining! So it's just making sure everyone gets at least half of what their spouse gets. That seems fair.

make sure they back pay you!!! if ur husband was already collecting when u filed for urs they owe u money

Backpay? I didn't even think about that! My husband has been collecting for about 9 months now, and I just started last month. Would they owe me backpay for that one month, or does it not work that way?

You can receive retroactive spousal benefits for up to 6 months before the month you apply, but only for months after you reached FRA and after your husband began receiving benefits. So if you just reached FRA last month when you filed for your own benefits, you'd only be eligible for backpay for that one month (assuming you apply promptly for the spousal benefit).

This process SHOULD be simple but I swear they make it complicated on purpose!! Make sure you keep DETAILED records of everyone you talk to, dates, confirmation numbers, EVERYTHING. I applied for the spousal top-up last year and they

Oh dear, that sounds awful! I'll definitely keep detailed notes of everything. Did you eventually get it all sorted out? Was it backdated correctly?

Yes FINALLY got it after 4 months of fighting with them. They did backdate it but only after I brought it up THREE TIMES. Be prepared to advocate for yourself because nobody else will!!

One other quick tip - when you apply, specifically say you're applying for \

Thank you! That's very helpful - I'll make sure to use the correct terminology. And yes, I already have Medicare premiums coming out of my current benefit, so I understand about the deductions. I appreciate the clarification!

my cousin works for ssa and says theyre super understaffed right now so expect delays when u apply for anything

Thanks for the heads up. I guess I need to be patient and persistent. Do you know if it's better to apply online or in person for this type of thing?

she says in person is usually faster if u can get an appointment. online stuff sits in queues for weeks sometimes

Good to know, thank you! I'll try to get an in-person appointment then.