Ask Larry

Why Is My Husband's Benefit Rate Higher Than Mine?

My husband gets 1500 a month for social security retirement I only get $800

Hi. Social Security retirement benefit amounts are based on an average of a person's highest 35 years of Social Security covered wage-indexed earnings, so the amount you receive depends on your earnings history. Benefit rates are also affected by the age at which a person starts drawing their benefits. Therefore, since I don't know your and your husband's earnings histories or the age at which you each started collecting benefits, I can't explain the discrepancy in your benefit rates.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Dec 27 2021 - 1:10pm
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