Fairness Act – Spouse’s Social Security
As a result of the Social Security Fairness Act, I received a significant (nearly $15,000) lump sum payment from Social Security two weeks ago. A few days later I received a notice with “Important Information” from the Social Security Administration. I am concerned that the amounts are “too much”, and question the following statements on the SSA notice:
Since we increased the amount we pay you on your own record, we decreased the amount we pay you on your spouse’s record.
The new monthly benefit on your Social Security record will be $973.70. Your new monthly benefit on the other record will be $688.10. (Total = $1661.80)
Some background and my question:
As a former IL community college employee in the SURS system and a former teacher in the TRS system I receive pension checks from each. I also receive a check from SS for the years I worked and paid into the system, having earned the full number of quarters to qualify. I do understand that my SS check is to increase due to the Fairness Act passage. However, am I entitled to a portion of my husband’s social security check? (He is still very much alive, and we are still very much married. He retired at full retirement age and has been collecting his full SS since then). I will be 80 later this year, and the increased $ would be very nice, but I only want what I should receive—nothing more.
All of that background just to see if you can tell me if I really am entitled to SS $ based on my husband’s record in addition to my own SS?
Terry Says
I’m going to respond in generalities — then give you a real specific solution!
You are entitled to the larger of your own benefit, or half of your spouse’s full retirement benefit, whichever is larger.
I can’t figure that out for you. But I highly suggest you go to www.MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com and securely run the numbers, using both your SS and that of your spouse. It costs $49 — but is well worth it. You will know if now, after the Fairness Act, you are getting the correct amount.
