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Spousal Benefits for a Wife on Disability When Husband Starts Social Security

AR

ARPI Editorial Team

Spousal Benefits for a Wife on Disability When Husband Starts Social Security

His wife who was born 12/20/57 is getting $1100/m from SS Disability. Once Ron starts his SS at 66.8 will she be entitled to almost half of his FRA amount? Or since she is on SS disability it changes things?

When Ron starts his Social Security benefits at age 66 and 8 months, his wife, who is currently receiving $1,100 per month from Social Security Disability, may be eligible for a spousal benefit boost. Here’s how it works:

  1. Spousal Benefit Calculation:

    • The spousal benefit is typically calculated as 50% of the husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at Full Retirement Age (FRA).
    • The boost for the spouse is determined by subtracting the amount of her disability benefit from 50% of the husband's FRA benefit.
  2. Impact of Disability on Spousal Benefit:

    • Since the wife is already receiving Social Security Disability benefits, her current benefit amount ($1,100) will be deducted from the calculated spousal benefit.
    • If the wife files for the spousal benefit before reaching her own FRA, the spousal benefit portion will be reduced based on her age at the time of filing.
  3. Key Considerations:

    • The wife will continue to receive her disability benefit, and the spousal boost will be added to it if eligible.
    • Filing for the spousal benefit before the wife’s FRA will result in a reduced spousal portion, but her disability benefit remains unchanged.

Ron’s wife will be eligible for a spousal boost once he starts receiving his Social Security benefits. This boost will be calculated by taking 50% of Ron’s FRA amount and subtracting her current disability benefit. However, it’s essential to consider the impact of her filing age on the spousal portion of the benefit.

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