Missing spousal benefit supplement after applying for Social Security - top-up amount not included in wife's payment

This has to do with how SSA processes dual entitlement cases. Since your wife is eligible for her own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, SSA needs to finalize both claims before issuing the correct payment amount. When you applied just two weeks before her, they'll likely need 1-2 payment cycles to reconcile everything. The system typically pays her own retirement benefit first while the spousal portion (the "top-up" as you called it) gets processed separately once your own record is fully established. The phone rep should have explained this timing issue better. I'd recommend waiting until next month's payment before calling. If the supplement isn't included in the next payment, then definitely call to follow up. The good news is that any back payments owed will be paid retroactively to her entitlement date.

same thing happen to me and my wife!!! took almost 3 months to get fixed and nobody could tell us why it was taking so long. call them every week and just get different answers every time

Based on what you've described, this is normal processing for dual entitlement cases (receiving both your own benefit and a spousal benefit). Here's what's happening: 1. When your wife applied, the system automatically established her claim on her own record first 2. The spousal portion cannot be fully processed until your own record is completely finalized 3. Since you applied just two weeks earlier, your record is likely still being processed 4. Once your record is finalized, the system will automatically calculate and add the spousal supplement This usually takes 1-2 payment cycles to fully resolve. The rep should have explained this timing issue more clearly. Any amounts owed will be paid retroactively to her entitlement date. If the situation isn't resolved by the second payment, then I would recommend contacting SSA for follow-up.

The retroactive amount will typically come as a separate payment, though sometimes it can be combined with a regular monthly payment. SSA's systems handle these adjustments in different ways depending on timing and the specific processing center handling the claim. One important note: make sure both your direct deposit information and hers are correctly set up in the system. Occasionally, retroactive adjustments can be issued via check even when monthly benefits are direct deposited.

My wife and I just went thru EXACTLY this!!! It took 3 payments before it got fixed and SS never told us anything!!!! The right hand doesnt know what the left is doing over there!

I understand your frustration! This actually happens quite often with spousal benefits. The SSA processes claims in a specific order, and when applications are close together like yours were, it can cause this temporary gap in payments. Here's what I've seen in my experience: - Your retirement application needs to be fully processed first (all earnings records verified) - Then her application gets finalized - Finally, the system calculates and adds the spousal supplement The phone representatives sometimes forget to mention this delay because they're looking at what the final payment *will be* rather than explaining the processing timeline. If it helps ease your mind, I've never seen a case where the spousal supplement wasn't eventually paid correctly with all retroactive amounts included. It's just a matter of waiting for the system to catch up to what the representative already confirmed.

In my situation, it took about 6-8 weeks from when my husband first applied for his benefits until my spousal supplement was added. But I've seen it take up to 3 months in some cases, especially if there were any earnings record issues that needed verification. At the 2-month mark, it would be reasonable to call and check on the status. Ask specifically about whether both claims are fully processed and when you can expect the spousal portion to be added. Sometimes a gentle inquiry can help move things along if something got stuck in their workflow.

Why is everyone saying this is normal??? When my husband and I applied for SS last year, the rep SPECIFICALLY told us that I would only get my own benefit at first, and that the spousal portion would come later after his application was fully processed. They told us to expect 1-3 months delay. If your rep didn't tell you this, they messed up!!!

Quick follow-up from my earlier comment - since you mentioned the rep confirmed both amounts on the phone, it's worth calling again to verify everything is in order. While the timing delay I mentioned is normal, occasionally there can be a coding error in how they set up the spousal benefit. When you call, specifically ask them to check if the spousal benefit is properly "established but suspended pending processing" or if there's any issue with how it was coded. If there is an actual error (rather than just normal processing time), catching it early can prevent further delays.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The timing issue you mentioned is definitely the culprit here. When applications are submitted so close together (like your 2-week gap), SSA's system basically puts the spousal benefit calculation "on hold" until your primary record is completely finalized. Here's what helped me get clarity: when I called back, I asked the rep to read me the exact status codes on both claims. They should be able to tell you if the spousal benefit is "pending" versus if there's an actual problem. In my case, it showed as "established but awaiting primary record completion" which gave me peace of mind that it was just a timing issue. The frustrating part is that different reps seem to explain this process differently. Some mention the delay upfront, others (like yours) focus on the final amounts without explaining the processing timeline. One thing that worked for me was asking them to put a note in the system about the expected timing, so future calls would reference that conversation. It took exactly 7 weeks from my husband's application date before my spousal supplement appeared, and yes, all the back payments came through correctly. Hang in there - this really is more common than it should be!