Social Security terminology confusion - how to request spousal 'excess amount' without losing my own benefit

The term you want to use is 'deemed filing for spousal benefits' or more specifically, you're requesting the 'excess spousal benefit' or 'spousal supplement.' Make it very clear that you want to continue receiving benefits on your own work record while also receiving any additional amount you're entitled to as a spouse. Tell them explicitly that you are NOT asking to switch to your husband's record, but rather to receive any additional amount if his primary insurance amount (PIA) exceeds 50% of yours. This is sometimes called the 'spousal top-up' informally. You're absolutely right to be careful about the terminology. Many SSA reps might misunderstand and process it incorrectly. Document everything, including who you speak with.

I had this EXACT same problem last year!!! They kept trying to switch me completely to my husband's record which would have been WAY LESS money for me. I finally had to bring in printouts of the SSA rules from their own website and DEMAND to speak to a supervisor. Even then, it took 3 visits and they still messed it up the first time. The system is RIGGED to confuse people. Make sure you get EVERYTHING in writing. They told me one thing on the phone and then did something completely different. And watch your benefit amounts like a hawk after any changes!!

When you speak with the SSA representative, use the precise term "deemed spousal benefits" or "the excess amount on my husband's record." These are the technical terms they should recognize. Beware that if you filed for your own retirement benefits after 2015, the rules of deemed filing automatically apply - meaning they'll calculate if you're eligible for any additional amount as a spouse. Since you mentioned being rejected twice, there's a possibility that they've already determined your husband's SSDI benefit doesn't provide enough to give you an excess amount (this happens if your own benefit is more than half of his). Ask them to show you the calculation that determined you weren't eligible for the spousal excess, if that's what they're claiming. This might save you some time if they've actually done the math correctly.

my sister went through this whole mess last year..took forever to get straightened out..good luck

I tried for MONTHS to reach someone at Social Security who could help with my spousal benefit questions last year. Spent hours on hold only to get disconnected. Finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a live person at SSA in about 20 minutes. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Oh, and definitely use the term "dual entitlement" or "deemed filing for spousal benefits" when you talk to them. I found that writing down all my questions and having my benefit verification letter in front of me helped a lot during the call. Good luck!

You need to specify that you're requesting the "excess spousal benefit" while maintaining your existing entitlement on your own record. Make sure they understand you're applying under the dual entitlement provision, not switching to spousal benefits. Also, smart thinking about the survivor benefits! Many people don't realize you can make strategic choices there. Just be very clear that you're not making any elections regarding survivor benefits at this time - that's completely separate from what you're asking for now.

i think they call it "combination benefits" at my office. my neighbor works there and thats what she calls it when you get some from yours and some from spouse. probably depends on who you talk to tho, they all seem to use different words for the same things lol

One more important point: If you filed for your own retirement benefits early (before your FRA) and you're now applying for the excess spousal amount, your spousal benefits will also be reduced based on when you filed for your own benefits. This is due to deemed filing rules that came into effect with the 2015 law changes. So when they calculate your spousal excess, it will be permanently reduced based on your early filing age. This is why it's crucial that they do the calculation correctly and that you understand what amount to expect. Regarding your survivor benefit strategy: that's completely separate from what you're doing now. You're correct that you can switch to survivor benefits at any point after your husband passes, and waiting until your FRA will maximize that amount. The choices you make now don't lock you into anything for survivor benefits later.

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN when you talk to them!!! Names, dates, what they tell you. I've caught them contradicting themselves multiple times. And if they say they'll call you back, they WON'T! Follow up yourself every time. The system is designed to wear you down so you'll give up. And don't expect the person you talk to to know the rules correctly. I had one rep tell me flat out wrong information about deemed filing. Had to talk to a supervisor who actually knew the rules.

my sister had to go in person three times

@user7 Yes, Claimyr worked for me after spending weeks trying to get through myself. It's not free, but considering I was spending hours redialing and waiting on hold, it was worth it for me. Managed to finally sort out my spousal benefit situation because of it.

UPDATE: I called this morning and used the terms you all suggested. Asked specifically about "excess spousal benefits" and "dual entitlement" while keeping my own record. The representative seemed to understand right away! She looked up my case and said there was confusion because I had checked the wrong box on a previous form which made it look like I wanted to switch to spousal benefits completely. She's sending me a new form to fill out, and she made notes in my file about what I'm actually requesting. I also asked to see the calculation once they do it to make sure everything is correct. Thank you all so much for the correct terminology! I feel much more confident now that they understand what I'm asking for.