My wife and I both were born before 1/1/54. She filed for retirement benefits 2/1/18, when she was 66. I filed a restricted application 3/1/18 when I was 66 for a spousal benefit, leaving my personal benefit to grow until I turn 70. My wife was a teacher for most of her life and her did not contribute much to social security. I sought a 50% spousal benefit. At first social security was fine with this, but then then told me I can't have it because my Part B Premium (which includes IRMAA) exceeded the spousal benefit I would be receiving. Is this true?
Thank you,
Jake

Hi Jake,

No, that's not true. Your Part B Medicare premium amount would have nothing to do with whether or not you're eligible for spousal benefits. However, if your Part B premium amount is higher than your spousal benefit rate then your entire spousal benefit would be applied to your monthly Part B premium, with nothing left over to be paid to you. Still, though, it would obviously be better to claim the spousal benefit and have that amount credited toward your Part B premium as opposed to not filing for spousal benefits and paying your entire premium out of pocket.

You say that you did file a restricted application for spousal benefits, so I assume that your spousal benefits are in fact being credited toward your Part B premiums. If you don't think that's happening, you should probably check with Social Security to find out what's going on.

Best, Jerry