Spousal benefit amount lower than expected and delayed deposit - Social Security calculation error?
I'm so confused about my spousal benefit situation! My husband and I both started receiving our own SS retirement benefits in January (based on our own work records). I worked with a Social Security planning service last year who calculated I should receive an additional $172/month as a spousal benefit on top of my own retirement benefit. However, when I spoke with an SSA representative last week, she said my spousal benefit would only be $114/month. That's a $58 monthly difference that really adds up over time! What's more concerning is that I haven't seen ANY spousal benefit deposited yet, while our regular retirement payments are coming through fine. Is it normal for the spousal benefit to be deposited separately and much later than regular retirement benefits? And does anyone know how I can address this apparent calculation error? I have all my paperwork from the advisor showing how they reached the $172 figure. Do I need to schedule another appointment or is there a way to resolve this over the phone?
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Keisha Jackson
The discrepancy likely comes from how your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) is being calculated in relation to your spouse's. Spousal benefits are calculated as 50% of your spouse's PIA minus 100% of your own PIA, but only if that amount is positive. The $58 difference could be related to recent COLA adjustments or earnings record differences that your paid advisor might not have had access to. As for the delay, yes, it's fairly common for spousal benefits to be processed and deposited separately from your own retirement benefits, sometimes taking 1-2 additional payment cycles to appear. The SSA systems handle them as separate entitlements even though they're related.
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StarGazer101
•Thank you for this explanation! I didn't realize spousal benefits could take longer to process. Do you think I should wait another month before following up about both the amount discrepancy and the missing payment? I'm worried about the calculation difference - $58/month is almost $700 per year!
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Paolo Romano
You definitely need to address this directly with SSA. In my experience, calculation errors are more common than most people realize. Call your local office and specifically request a detailed breakdown of how they calculated your spousal benefit. Ask them to explain the $114 figure and be prepared with your advisor's calculation showing the $172 amount. If you can't get through by phone (which is likely), I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - I used their service last month when I needed to speak with someone about a similar issue. They got me connected to a real SSA agent in under 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Whatever you do, don't just accept the lower amount without verification!
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Amina Diop
•This!!! I had THREE different amounts quoted to me before my spousal benefits were finalized. Some SS reps really dont understand the calculations themsleves. Keep pushing till you get your answer.
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Oliver Schmidt
I've had this EXACT issue!!! My spousal benefit came 6 weeks after my own retirement benefit started. The delay is totally normal but frustrating. As for the calculation difference, I'd be worried too. When I applied, the rep told me my spousal would be $237 but when it finally came through it was only $203!! I went back with all my paperwork and it turned out they had used outdated earnings info for my husband. They fixed it and backdated the payments. DONT just accept what they tell you if your calculations show something different!!
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StarGazer101
•This makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone! Did you have to go into the office to get it resolved or were you able to handle it by phone? I'm really hoping I can avoid making an in-person appointment if possible.
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Natasha Volkov
The problem might be related to the timing of when you each filed. There are different rules about spousal benefits depending on if you filed before or after your Full Retirement Age (FRA). If you filed before your FRA, your spousal benefit gets reduced. Also, if there were any months where you earned income above the earnings limit, that could affect the calculation too. The SSA system is INCREDIBLY complicated and even their own employees sometimes make errors. I'd request a formal benefit verification letter that shows the breakdown - that way you can see exactly how they're calculating your amount compared to your advisor's numbers.
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Javier Torres
•yep this happened to my sister too. turned out the ssa rep used the wrong birth date when calculating her FRA. one digit off changed her whole benefit amount!
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Emma Wilson
my spousal benefit took almost 2 months after i got my regular ss check. dont worry that part is normal. the different amounts tho thats weird. did the ss person explain why it was lower than what ur advisor said?
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StarGazer101
•No, she didn't really explain the calculation at all. She just stated the amount would be $114 and moved on to other details. I should have asked more questions at the time, but I was surprised by the difference and didn't think quickly enough.
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Natasha Volkov
One other thing to consider - did your Social Security planning service include the most recent COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) in their calculations? For 2025, benefits increased by 3.1%, which would affect both your PIA and your husband's. Depending on when they did their analysis, they might have been using pre-COLA numbers.
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Keisha Jackson
•This is an excellent point. If the advisor did their calculations last year before the 2025 COLA was announced, that alone wouldn't account for the full $58 difference, but it could explain part of it. The remainder might be explained by earnings record differences or other factors.
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Javier Torres
my wifes spousl benefit was wrong too but in our case they gave her TOO MUCH and then sent us a letter 6 months later saying we had to pay back $1800!!! make sure u get it right the first time or theyll come after u for overpayment later!
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Oliver Schmidt
•This is such an important warning! SSA overpayment notices are a nightmare to deal with. I've heard so many horror stories about people having their benefits suddenly reduced to recoup overpayments that weren't even their fault. Definitely better to get it sorted out from the beginning!
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Amina Diop
I bet ur advisor calulated using GROSS amounts and SSA is telling u NET after medicare deductions. thats why theres a difference
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Paolo Romano
•That's not likely to be the case. Spousal benefits are calculated based on Primary Insurance Amounts (PIAs), which are the pre-deduction benefit amounts. Medicare premiums are deducted after the benefit amount is determined, not as part of the calculation process. The discrepancy is more likely due to differences in earnings record information or calculation methodologies.
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Keisha Jackson
I recommend taking these steps: 1. Wait one more payment cycle to see if the spousal benefit starts (this is normal) 2. Request a detailed explanation of your benefit calculation in writing 3. Compare the SSA's explanation with your advisor's calculation 4. If discrepancies remain, schedule a phone or in-person appointment specifically to review the calculation 5. Bring documentation showing your advisor's math and ask the representative to explain exactly where the difference occurs If there truly is an error, SSA can correct it and provide retroactive payments for any underpaid benefits. Just be persistent and keep detailed records of all communications.
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StarGazer101
•Thank you for laying out these clear steps! I'll start by waiting for one more payment cycle and then follow your advice. I appreciate everyone's help with this confusing situation!
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