Ask Larry

Is My Husband Eligible For A Spousal Supplement?

I began receiving my SS benefit at 65...i am 77 now....... Muy husband 74 receives his SS benefit also... My benefit is about $600 more... Is my husband entitled to apply for spousal supplement?

Hi,

There isn't enough information in your question for me to be able to give you an answer. If your husband applies for spousal benefits, his spousal rate (if any) would be calculated by subtracting his primary insurance amount (PIA) from 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA). A person's PIA is the amount of their Social Security retirement benefit if they start drawing at full retirement age (FRA).

For example, say Bob filed for benefits on his own record at FRA and his PIA is $1200. Bob's wife files for her benefits at her FRA and her PIA is $1800. Bob would not be eligible for additional spousal benefits because his own PIA (i.e. $1200) is more than 50% of his wife's PIA (i.e. $900, or 50% of $1800).

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jun 13 2019 - 9:44am
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