After my wife reached her full retirement age, she applied for her benefits. Knowing that her benefits would not equal 50% of mine, she was under the impression that the SS department would calculate that for her. She estimated on the SS form the 50% amount and left it at that. When she received her benefit estimate, it was the amount that she would receive before considering the 50% spousal option. What did she do wrong and how can we fix it?

Hi. If your wife is eligible for spousal benefits in addition to her own benefits, she must file a separate application for spousal benefits in order to qualify. Furthermore, in order for your wife to be eligible for spousal benefits, you must be collecting your benefits and your primary insurance amount (PIA) must be more than twice as much as her PIA.

Best, Jerry