Ask Larry

Don't You Think The Social Security System Is Unfair?

I worked some during our marriage, but mainly was a stay-at-home mother rearing our children. Consequently, according to SS agents, my monthly benefit results from two accounts: a small amount from my meager earnings and a larger amount from my husband's earnings. Together they equal half of his benefit. Here's the rub. I'm self-employed and pay into SS each year. I've made enough to raise my benefit each year, BUT they add the amount onto my small account and take it away from the account they set up for me from my husband's earnings. I am locked into a system that will never allow me to raise my benefit. They say my benefit can be raised only if my husband works and raises his benefit. My question: Don't you think that SUCKS?

Hi,

That question's over my pay grade, so I'll defer to Larry's opinion: https://kotlikoff2016.com/fixing-social-security/.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jan 16 2017 - 7:15am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.