My wife is 2 years older than I am and has been receiving Social Security from her work history for the past two years. I am retiring and have received a benefits letter for Social Security stating my benefit amount. Where can I find out what her increase will be, as I was the primary wage earner for our home?

Hi. First of all, your wife would need to file an application in order to be able to collect spousal benefits. And, she'll only qualify for spousal benefits if your primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as her own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

If your wife does qualify for spousal benefits, her unreduced spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of your PIA. But, if she starts collecting her spousal benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA) then her benefit rate will be reduced for age. You could use the benefit calculator included in our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to calculate how much, if any, that your wife could be paid as a spouse.

Best, Jerry