Social Security spousal benefits calculation at 62 - will my wife get more than her own $425 benefit?

Here's how spousal benefits work in your situation. Your wife can receive up to 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) - that's what you would receive at your full retirement age, not your reduced benefit. However, since she's taking benefits at 62, her spousal benefit will be permanently reduced to about 32.5% of your PIA instead of the full 50%. The SSA will automatically pay her own earned benefit plus the additional spousal amount to reach the higher spousal level. She doesn't get both full amounts added together. You should contact SSA to apply for spousal benefits - they aren't automatic. Also consider that if you pass away, she would be eligible for survivor benefits, which could be 71.5% of your benefit amount if claimed at her current age.

My wife did something similar last year. Make sure you're both on the same SSA record! When she applies they will look at both her own benefit and the spousal benefit and give her whichever is higher, NOT both combined. And yeah the early claiming reduction is pretty steep on spousal benefits!! She got way less than she thought she would. Good luck!

The spousal benefit calculation is a bit complex. Here are the key factors: 1. Your wife will get her own benefit OR up to 50% of your PIA (your full retirement age benefit before any reductions), whichever is HIGHER - not both added together 2. Taking spousal benefits at age 62 results in a maximum of about 32.5% of your PIA due to early claiming reduction 3. The actual math: If your FRA benefit is $3,200, the maximum spousal benefit at her FRA would be $1,600. At age 62, it's reduced to approximately $1,040. Since her own benefit is $425, she would receive a total of $1,040 (not $1,465) I recommend calling SSA directly to get the exact calculation for your situation. You can also check the SSA benefit calculators on their website.

GOOD LUCK getting accurate info from the SSA!!!! I spent MONTHS trying to sort out my wife's spousal benefits and got a different answer EVERY TIME I called. One rep told me she'd get $900, another said $740, and when the benefit finally started it was $825!!! The whole system is a MESS. And don't even get me started on the hours I wasted on hold...

just went through this with my husband last year. so many confusing rules! remember her benefit is permanently reduced if she takes it at 62. has she considered waiting until her full retirement age? the difference can be pretty significant, especially if shes in good health and might live a long time

when she applies make sure she specifically mentions wanting spousal benefits cuz sometimes they just automatically give the person their own benefit without checking if they qualify for more on their spouse's record this happened to my sister and she had to go back and fix it what a headache

One more thing to consider: if either of you are still working, the earnings test might reduce your benefits. In 2025, if you earn more than $22,750 (for those under FRA), your benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. This applies to both regular retirement and spousal benefits.

do you guys know if they send the spousal money separate or is it all together in one payment? and is it on the same day as the regular ss payment?