My husband & I have been married 27 years, his ss# benefit is larger than mine, we want to apply for the THE SOCIAL SECURITY SPOUSE BENEFIT, which would increase my monthly amount to the same as his, my question is he retired in 2005, he is 74, I retired in 2001 and am 80, is the amount I will receive increased based on the year he retired and is it retroactive or does it start once we have applied? Thank you!

Hi,

I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. The spousal benefit rate is 50% of the spouse's full retirement age rate, not 100%. And, you would only be eligible for additional spousal benefits if 50% of your husband's full retirement age rate (PIA) is higher than your own PIA.

Best, Jerry