"How Much Will My Spouse Receive?
If your spouse qualifies on their own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your record is higher, they will get an additional amount on your record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. "
So I'm not the brightest individual. Trying to understand what the above statement means exactly. It's from SS.gov. I'm retired. DW is not. Still awhile before receiving benefits. DW benefit is about 5/8ths of my benefit. Does the above statement mean DW will get the same benefit amount that I will? Reason I ask is wondering how SS works out should one of us pass.
Additionally is this statement on SS.gov. "If your spouse will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government employment, the amount of their Social Security benefits on your record may be reduced."
DW will receive a small state pension bringing DW benefit to about 3/4 of my benefit.
TIA for any comments.
If your spouse qualifies on their own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your record is higher, they will get an additional amount on your record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. "
So I'm not the brightest individual. Trying to understand what the above statement means exactly. It's from SS.gov. I'm retired. DW is not. Still awhile before receiving benefits. DW benefit is about 5/8ths of my benefit. Does the above statement mean DW will get the same benefit amount that I will? Reason I ask is wondering how SS works out should one of us pass.
Additionally is this statement on SS.gov. "If your spouse will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government employment, the amount of their Social Security benefits on your record may be reduced."
DW will receive a small state pension bringing DW benefit to about 3/4 of my benefit.
TIA for any comments.