Ask Larry

Am I Eligible For Spousal Benefits?

My husband is 76 and I am 67, We are both on social security.His SS is $1633 a month and mine is $613. to make things short, this is not enough for us to live and pay bill with. Is it possible for me to receive Spousal Benefits on my husbands SS while he is alive and we are still married ?

Hi,

It's possible, but it depends on when you and your husband filed for benefits. In order for you to be eligible for an excess spousal benefit, one half of your husband's full retirement age benefit amount (PIA) would have to be more than your own PIA.

Based on the benefit amounts that you quoted in your question, it's possible that you could be eligible for a spousal benefit. However, if you started your benefits at an earlier age than your husband started his benefits, then you may not be eligible. The only way to be sure is to contact Social Security and ask to apply for spousal benefits. You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Oct 3 2016 - 8:45am
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