Spouse benifit

[Admiral Mike]

My wife has been out of the workforce for quite some time and started receiving SSI retirement benefits when she turned 65.  My expected monthly income is nearly 3 times what she receives today.

I plan to retire next year at full retirement age.  Will her payment increase to 50% of my benefit when I retire? 

[Laura_CPA]

Hi Admiral Mike, 

Thank you for joining us today! According to the social security administration, the wife of a retired worker is eligible for a spousal benefit of up to 50 percent of her husband's primary insurance amount (PIA), if claimed at her full retirement age (FRA). If your wife claimed her benefits at her full retirement age, then yes, she will receive an increase in her monthly benefits. However, if she claimed benefits before her full retirement age, then she will not receive an increase in her monthly benefits. 

Social Security Program Rules  

Hope this helps!

Cheers, 

Laura 

[LoriC17]

Great question,

If your spouse is eligible for retirement benefits on their own , the amount from their income will always be paid  first. But, if the spouse's benefit that is payable on your record is a higher amount, they will get a combination of the two benefits that equals the higher amount.