Larry - I don’t believe the “Spousal Benefits for Current or Former Spouse” section in the “my social security” website is accurate. Per the my social security site, my age 70 delayed monthly benefits are estimated at $4501 (I turn age 70 in August 2023). I believe this amount is fairly accurate. However, the my social security site calculates my wife’s monthly spousal benefits at $2171 (when she reaches her FRA (66& 6 months). The $2171 is 50% of the $4342 monthly amount shown for me if i were to start benefits today at age 69 & 5 months.

I have read that max spousal benefits are 50% of their spouses FRA benefit amount. If true the my social security calculator is not accurate in my case and is potentially likely misleading millions of future retirees that rely on this site to plan their retirement.

Would you please look into this. Thanks
John

Hi John. You're correct that the maximum possible spousal benefit rate is equal to 50% of the worker's primary insurance amount (PIA), even if the worker waits past their full retirement age (FRA) to start collecting benefits. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). So, I can't explain why the estimated spousal amount shown on your Social Security benefit statement appears to be inaccurate.

You and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to get accurate benefit estimates and to fully compare and analyze all of your various options so that you can determine the best overall strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry