Did SS automatically add spousal benefit to my wife's SS when I retired 3 years later?

[wayjay 0]

My wife started drawing her SS at age 62 several years ago based on her earnings. Three years later when I became 65, I retired and started drawing my SS. Her benefit now is $784 and mine is $1,865.  Should we have filed for her spousal benefit when I became 65, or did her SS automatically increase to include her spousal benefit. Thanks for your web site and the work you do to help others.

[wayjay 0]

I probably should have mentioned that I am now 85 and she is 84. Thanks again.

[mikegw 0]

Hi Wayjay, I'm not an expert, so until Devin answers I'll let you know what I've heard. I believe that in order to collect spousal benefits you would have had to have already started collecting SS. However, I think that may be more for today than when you retired. There were a couple of strategies back then that might have worked better for you. Here's a link to a guy that talks a little bit about this, and I'm sure Devin will have additional information. Start watching at 5:20 minutes into the video. 

 

[wayjay 0]

Hi Mike, Thanks for the info. I fear that we may have missed a great opportunity to have increased my wife's payments. If so, I wonder if there is any chance of getting a retroactive amount. I look forward to the answer from Devin. (BTW, my grandson's name is Devin.) Thanks again for your help.

[Devin Carroll 1]

The SSA should have automatically increased her benefit when she became eligible for spousal benefits. However, there's no guarantee this happened unless you verify the numbers. From what I see the numbers sound about right, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure. It would only take a quick phone call to the SSA to find out what parts her benefit is made of. You can reach them at 800-772-1213. 

To Mikes point...there was probably some strategy that could have been used but that is water under the bridge now. 

 

 

[wayjay 0]

Thanks so much Devin. From what I have read here, you are a blessing to many people.