See your spousal benefit breakdown — own benefit, top-off, and total
The spousal benefit allows the lower-earning spouse to collect up to 50% of the higher earner's FRA benefit. If the lower earner has their own Social Security benefit, they collect their own first — then receive a spousal top-off if 50% of the higher earner's FRA benefit exceeds their own. The spousal benefit is only available after the higher earner has filed. Filing early reduces the benefit; filing after FRA does not increase it.
Higher-earning spouse
$
Lower-earning spouse
$
Monthly benefit breakdown
All benefits shown are in today's dollars. Social Security includes an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that has historically averaged 2–3% per year, meaning your actual benefit will likely be higher in future years. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The spousal benefit is based on 50% of the higher earner's FRA benefit — not their actual filing benefit. The spousal top-off is only available after the higher earner has filed. The top-off reduction is based on the lower earner's age at the time the higher earner files (the age of entitlement), not the lower earner's own filing age. Benefit reductions use the standard SSA formula: 25/36 of 1% per month for the first 36 months before FRA, then 5/12 of 1% per month beyond. Filing after FRA does not increase the spousal benefit. Actual benefits may vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making filing decisions.