Social Security filing confusion - does SSA automatically calculate spousal vs own benefits or must I file separately?

When you apply for retirement benefits, the SSA will automatically check if you'd qualify for higher spousal benefits. You don't need to file separate applications. Just make sure when you apply that you indicate you're married and provide your husband's Social Security number. The system is designed to give you the higher of the two benefit amounts. This is called "deemed filing" - when you file for one benefit, you're deemed to have filed for all benefits you're eligible for.

congrats on reaching FRA! my sister just went thru this last yr and she said they did it all automatically when she applied. just make sure you tell them ur married and give hubbys info. they figured out the math and gave her the bigger amnt

I don't think they automatically do it!! I had to specifically ASK for a spousal benefit review after I was already getting my own benefit for 3 months and realized it seemed too low. Then they had to adjust it and I missed out on those first 3 months of higher payment!!! Make SURE to tell them you want them to check BOTH your own record AND spousal benefits when you apply!!!

I actually went through this exact situation last year. When I applied online, the application specifically asked if I was married and for my spouse's information including SSN. They automatically calculated both benefits and awarded me the higher amount, which was the spousal benefit in my case. Just be sure to have your marriage certificate handy as they may request it. Also, if you have trouble getting through to SSA by phone (which is common), I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent within 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - it saved me a ton of frustration when I needed to verify some information before filing.

My wife and I are in the same boat. I worked most of my life while she worked part-time raising our kids. When she filed last year, they gave her about 40% of my benefit amount automatically. I think they call it the "dual entitlement rule" where they subtract your own benefit from your spousal benefit and give you the difference. At least that's how I understood it.

This is a common question. When you file for retirement benefits at full retirement age (FRA), the Social Security Administration will automatically determine if you're eligible for higher benefits as a spouse and will pay whichever amount is higher. You don't need to file separate applications. However, it's important to note several things: 1. Make sure your marital information is up-to-date in SSA's records 2. Provide your husband's Social Security number during application 3. Be prepared to provide your marriage certificate if requested 4. Understand that the maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (not necessarily 50% of what he's receiving) If you're applying online, the system will walk you through providing this information. If you're having trouble reaching SSA by phone, consider scheduling an appointment at your local office for this important filing.

I think there's ALOT of confusion about this. my neighbor told me she had to file for her OWN benefit FIRST and then later switch to spousal (she's 80 now so this was years ago) but I think the rules changed??? I'm not even sure what the difference is between SSI and SS retirement honestly. The whole system is confusing!!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! Just to make sure I understand correctly: 1. When I apply for retirement benefits, SSA will automatically check if I qualify for higher spousal benefits 2. I need to make sure I provide my husband's information and SSN during the application 3. The maximum spousal benefit will be 50% of my husband's PIA (what he would have gotten at his FRA, not his actual higher benefit since he delayed) 4. I should be prepared to provide our marriage certificate I'm going to try applying online first, but if I have trouble, I'll try that Claimyr service to get through by phone. You've all been so helpful - this was much clearer than anything I found on the SSA website!