Will SSA automatically add spousal benefit top-up when husband files at FRA or do I need to apply?

The good news is that you don't need to file a separate application for the spousal benefit in your situation. When your husband files for his retirement benefits, the SSA will automatically determine if you're eligible for the spousal top-up and adjust your payment if necessary. However, since you took your own benefits early at 62, your spousal benefit will be permanently reduced. The maximum spousal benefit you could receive is 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), but that's only if you waited until your own FRA to claim any benefits. Since you claimed early, your spousal benefit will be reduced accordingly. The SSA will pay your own benefit first, then add enough of the spousal benefit to bring you up to the reduced spousal rate you're eligible for. So your new total would be your reduced retirement benefit plus a partial spousal top-up amount.

This EXACT SAME THING happened with my sister-in-law and the SSA completely messed it up!!! They didn't automatically add the spousal amount when her husband filed, and she had to fight with them for MONTHS to get it fixed and get backpay. The SSA is SUPPOSED to do it automatically but their systems are so broken. I would recommend calling them the day after your husband files just to make sure they have it in the system, otherwise you could be waiting forever!

When your husband files for his Social Security retirement benefits at FRA, the Social Security Administration should automatically evaluate your eligibility for the spousal benefit top-up. However, based on my experience helping clients with this exact situation, I recommend taking these steps to ensure everything goes smoothly: 1) When your husband files for his benefits, make sure he mentions that you're already receiving benefits on your own record 2) About 30 days after his benefits start, check your MySocialSecurity account online to see if your benefit amount has changed 3) If you don't see any change after 60 days, then contact SSA Regarding the reduction: Since you filed at 62, your spousal benefit will be permanently reduced to about 32.5% of your husband's PIA instead of the full 50% you would have received at your FRA. The SSA will calculate the difference between your reduced benefit and this reduced spousal amount to determine your top-up. In your case, with your benefit at $1,425 and his at $3,200, you'll likely receive some top-up, but it won't be a large amount because of the early filing reduction.

Just wanted to share that my wife and I were in the same boat last year. I was the higher earner and she took benefits at 62. When I filed at 66 (my FRA), they did eventually add her spousal top-up automatically, but it took about 2 months to show up in her payments. We didn't have to do anything special, but we did get a letter in the mail explaining the adjustment.

You can check what youll get by calling SSA and asking them. They'll tell u the exact amount but goodluck getting thru to them!! I spent 3 days trying to talk to someone about my disability application and kept getting disconnected after waiting 2+ hours each time. So frustrating!!!

My aunt thought shed get half of my uncles benefit when he retired but she only got like $200 more per month cuz she took her SS early too. Just saying dont expect a huge amount 😕

To add some helpful clarification: when calculating your combined benefit, SSA will use this formula: 1. They'll calculate your reduced benefit on your own record (which you're already receiving - $1,425) 2. They'll calculate what your spousal benefit would be if you were only receiving spousal benefits. At age 62, this would be approximately 32.5% of your husband's PIA (not his benefit amount, but his Primary Insurance Amount - what he would get at his FRA) 3. If #2 is higher than #1, you'll get your own benefit plus the difference as a top-up The most common misconception is thinking you'll get your own benefit PLUS 50% of your spouse's. That's not how it works - you get the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit, not both combined.

One more important note: If your husband decides to delay claiming beyond his FRA to earn delayed retirement credits (up to age 70), this won't increase your spousal benefit. Spousal benefits are based on the worker's PIA at full retirement age, not their increased benefit amount after delayed retirement credits. So if your husband is considering waiting past 67 to increase his own benefit, just be aware that it won't change your spousal benefit amount at all.