Is spousal benefits figured on spouses current PIA today or on the amount of first payment received 5 years ago?

Hi. The initial spousal benefit rate is calculated based on the worker's primary insurance amount (PIA) at the time the spousal benefits are claimed. From then on, both the worker's PIA and the spouse's benefit amount are adjusted for cost of living (COLA) increases. So, in effect, the current spousal benefit rate is always based on the worker's current PIA.

Best, Jerry