Social Security combined payment confusion - do spousal and own benefits come in one deposit?
I'm trying to figure out how payments work when you get both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit. My wife just turned 67 and filed for her retirement. I'm 70 and already receiving SS based on my work record. The SSA rep told my wife she qualifies for a spousal benefit on top of her own benefit (her own is smaller). What I can't figure out is - will she get two separate deposits each month or just one combined payment? And will her payment still come on the day that matches her birthday, or will it switch to match my payment date since she's getting spousal benefits too? The SSA website is so confusing on this!
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Shelby Bauman
You'll receive one combined payment that includes both benefits. The SSA doesn't split them into separate deposits. And yes, the payment date is based on HER birthday, not yours. The schedule is: birthdays 1-10 get paid on the second Wednesday, 11-20 on the third Wednesday, and 21-31 on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The only exception is if she was receiving benefits before May 1997, which would put her on the 3rd of the month schedule.
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Josef Tearle
•Thank you! That makes sense. So even though part of her benefit is based on my record, she'll still get paid according to her birth date. That's a relief - was worried we'd have to juggle different payment dates.
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Quinn Herbert
my mom gets both and its just 1 payment same day every month
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Josef Tearle
•Thanks for confirming with your real-world experience!
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Salim Nasir
I'm confused about this too! When I applied they told me I would get my ex-husband's benefits AND my disability in separate checks but then everything came together? Does anyone know if theres a way to MAKE them separate the payments??? I need to track which money is which for my budgeting!
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Shelby Bauman
•Unfortunately, the SSA doesn't provide an option to split payments - they'll always combine all benefits you're entitled to into a single monthly payment. For budgeting purposes, your SSA award letter should break down exactly how much of your payment comes from each benefit type. You can also see this breakdown in your my Social Security account online.
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Hazel Garcia
This system is SO confusing!! I got bounced between 3 different reps when I called about this exact issue last year. One told me payments would be separate, another said combined, and the third had no idea! When the money finally showed up it WAS combined but the online account STILL shows them as if they're separate benefits which makes everything more confusing. The SSA needs to get their act together and make this stuff clearer!!
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Laila Fury
•I had the SAME EXPERIENCE! So frustrating! Waited on hold for 2 hours just to get wrong info.
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Geoff Richards
If you're having trouble reaching SSA to get this or other questions answered, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to a real person at SSA when I had a similar payment confusion. Basically they hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of hold time. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU if you're interested.
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Josef Tearle
•That sounds like it might be useful. I tried calling SSA three times last week and got disconnected twice after waiting over an hour. Will check out that video, thanks!
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Simon White
my wifes check comes on the 3rd wensday but mine comes on the 4th wensday. we both get ss but different days. depends on your bday.
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Shelby Bauman
•That's correct. Since you each receive benefits on your own work records, the payment dates are determined by your individual birthdays. The original poster was asking specifically about combined benefits (when one person receives both their own benefit plus a spousal benefit) which come as a single payment.
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Josef Tearle
Update: I finally got through to SSA (after trying all week!) and confirmed what everyone here said. Her combined payment will come on her birthday schedule, not mine. And they'll just add the spousal portion to her own retirement amount in a single deposit. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Quinn Herbert
•glad you got an answer! the reps can be helpful when you actually reach them lol
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