I am 60 years old and have been receiving Social Security and SSI for several years. I am going to marry a lady who has been receiving Social
Social Security and FERS Disability for over 10 years. She is 65 years of age and her Social Security is 3 times more than I receive. When we get married next month, do we report to Social Security? If so, at what point would I be eligible for 50% of her Social Security amount?

Hi,

Yes, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, then you'll need to notify Social Security of your marriage. SSI is a needs based program, so a change in marital status or in your income and resource levels can affect your eligibility or payment amount for SSI.

The earliest that you could potentially qualify for an excess spousal benefit from your wife's Social Security record is at age 62. You must also normally have been married for at least a year in order to qualify for spousal benefits. However, if you start drawing spousal benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA), your excess spousal rate would be reduced for age.

For example, say Joe is drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits and he is turning age 62. Joe's full SSDI rate, or primary insurance amount (PIA) is $500, and his wife's full SSDI rate is $1500. If Joe files for spousal benefits at FRA he'd be eligible for an excess spousal benefit equal to the difference between his PIA and 50% of his wife's PIA, which in Joe's case is $250 (i.e. $1500/2 - $500). However, if Joe starts drawing the excess spousal benefit at age 62, his excess spousal rate would be reduced to roughly $165. So, if Joe files for his excess spousal benefit at age 62 his total benefit amount including his own benefit and his excess spousal benefit would amount to roughly $665 (i.e. $500 + $165).

Best, Jerry