This Social Security Spousal Benefits Calculator will eliminate much of the guesswork involved in determining the amount of spousal benefits a lower-earning spouse will receive.Â
Social Security spousal benefits are designed to ensure that the lower-earning spouse doesn’t receive less than half of the higher-earning spouse’s benefit at full retirement age. A basic way to get a handle on this is through a straightforward formula:
(½ of Higher Earner’s Full Retirement Age Benefit)-(Lower Earner’s Full Retirement Age Benefit) = Spousal Payment
However, the spousal benefit formula's simplicity can be misleading. The nuances, particularly the different impacts of filing at various ages and the specific adjustments based on age, introduce a level of complexity that often puzzles even the most seasoned financial planners.
Our user-friendly Social Security spousal benefits calculator is here to help you navigate this complexity. It’s designed to simplify these intricate calculations, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of Social Security spousal benefits tailored to your specific circumstances. Whether you're filing early, at full retirement age, or later, this tool will guide you through the numbers, ensuring that you make informed decisions about your benefits.
NOTE: This spousal benefits calculator is based on the input from your Social Security benefit estimate which may or may not be completely accurate.Â
For a deeper understanding of spousal benefits, see my article The Social Security Spouse Benefit Simplified
Retirement planning, uncomplicated.