Will I get higher spousal benefits if I claimed my SS early but my husband has much higher earnings?

The 30% figure isn't quite right. When you claim spousal benefits after claiming your own benefits early, you can still receive up to 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), but that amount will be reduced by your early filing penalty. Here's how it works: After your husband files, the SSA will calculate the difference between your benefit at Full Retirement Age (before reduction for early filing) and 50% of his PIA. You'll get that difference as your spousal add-on, but reduced because you filed early. For example, if your FRA benefit before reduction was $1,800, and 50% of his PIA is $1,700, you wouldn't get any spousal add-on (because your benefit is already higher). But if your FRA benefit was $1,500 and 50% of his PIA is $1,700, you'd get a $200 difference, reduced for early filing. The SSA will automatically calculate this when your husband files - you don't need to file a separate application.

My wife went thru this last yr. She also took her SS at 62 and I waited till 70. When I filed they gave her an extra $210 on top of her check automatically. We didn't have to do anything. But the lady at SS told us it all depends on your earnings history.

The whole spousal benefit thing is SO CONFUSING!!! I've been trying to figure it out for months. I'm in a similar boat except I haven't filed yet (I'm 63). My husband gets $3,100 and when I called SSA they said something completely different from what others told me. They said I should wait until my FRA to get the full 50% but online calculators show something else and I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE anymore!!! The SSA website explanation might as well be written in another language.

I've helped dozens of people navigate this exact situation. You're getting a reduced benefit because you filed at 62, but you can still get a spousal supplement. Here's what happens: 1. SSA will compare your PIA (what you'd get at FRA WITHOUT early reduction) to 50% of your husband's PIA 2. If 50% of his PIA is higher, you get the difference added to your check 3. That difference gets reduced because you claimed early Based on your numbers, if your husband's benefit is $3,400, his PIA is probably around $2,800 (assuming he delayed to 69). So 50% would be $1,400. If your reduced benefit is $1,580, your PIA before reduction was probably around $2,050. Since that exceeds 50% of his PIA, you might not get any spousal add-on at all. You should absolutely contact SSA once your husband files to verify, but don't get your hopes up for a big increase based on these numbers.

Have you tried calling SSA directly? I spent 3 HOURS on hold last week trying to ask about my disability benefits!!! Finally gave up. Honestly their phone system is a joke.

btw I think ur smart for taking it at 62… my wife got 6 years of payments before i even started getting mine and shes GLAD she did even if its less per month. everyone acts like waiting is always better but it depends on ur situtation

Does anyone know if they will send a letter explaining the spousal benefit amount? Or do you just see it when your deposit is suddenly higher? I'm trying to budget for when my husband files next year and don't want to count on money that might not come!

One important thing that hasn't been mentioned yet: the deemed filing rules that took effect in 2015 mean you can't choose to take only spousal benefits while letting your own benefit grow. When you apply for one type of benefit, you're deemed to have applied for all benefits you're eligible for. For someone who already filed for their own benefits early like you did, this means when your husband files, SSA will automatically determine if you're eligible for any additional spousal amount and add it to your payment if you qualify. This calculation is called the "excess spousal benefit" - it's the difference between your PIA and half of your husband's PIA, reduced for early claiming. The reduction is permanent. Based on your situation, I recommend calling SSA after your husband files to confirm what additional amount, if any, you might receive.

Just to clarify for everyone in this thread - the spousal benefit maximum is 50% of the higher-earning spouse's PIA (their benefit amount at full retirement age). If the higher earner delayed claiming past FRA and gets delayed retirement credits, the spouse does NOT get 50% of that higher amount. This is a very common misunderstanding I see with clients. If your husband's FRA benefit was $2,800 but he gets $3,400 because he delayed claiming, your spousal benefit calculation would be based on the $2,800 figure, not the $3,400. Also, if you call SSA about this, make sure to speak with someone who specifically understands spousal benefits. Not all representatives are equally knowledgeable about these complex calculations.