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Social Security Spouse Benefit Calculator

Step 1: Enter Your Information

Enter the year and month (YYYY-MM) you wish to start receiving spousal benefits.

Understanding Your Benefits

PIA (Primary Insurance Amount): This is the foundational benefit amount calculated from a person's lifetime earnings record. It represents the benefit amount payable at Full Retirement Age (FRA). Your own PIA and your spouse's PIA are key factors in determining spousal benefits.

MBA (Monthly Benefit Amount): This is the actual dollar amount you receive each month. It starts with the PIA but can be different due to factors like claiming benefits early (reduction), delaying benefits past FRA (increase), Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs), or other offsets.

Spousal Benefit & Offset: You may be eligible for a benefit based on your spouse's work record, up to 50% of their PIA if you claim at your FRA. If you claim *before* your FRA, this 50% amount is permanently reduced based on how many months early you start. When you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, SSA applies an offset rule: they pay your own benefit first. If the calculated spousal benefit (after any age reduction) is higher than your *own PIA*, you receive an additional amount equal to the difference (Reduced Spousal Benefit - Your PIA). The total benefit you receive will generally equal the higher of your own benefit or the potential spousal benefit amount.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only. Consult the official Social Security Administration for definitive benefit amounts.

Before he became the go-to guru for government benefits on his YouTube channel, MyGovExpert, Dr. Ed was a District Manager for the Social Security Administration. That's right, he wasn't just reading the rulebook; he was living it, managing the folks who make the decisions. If you've ever felt like SSA speaks a different language, Dr. Ed is your translator. He's seen it all, heard it all, and now he's here to share that invaluable insider experience with you, cutting through the red tape with a healthy dose of common sense (and maybe a terrible joke or two). 

Buthis journey didn't start there. Long before navigating bureaucratic hall ways, Dr. Ed served his country with distinction as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi! That discipline and commitment to service are still a core part of who he is today. 

His dedication to public service also led him to a role as a Family Services Specialist with the Department of Social Services, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges many people face. And because he apparently doesn't believe in free time, Dr. Ed has also been shaping young minds as a University Adjunct Professor. 

With a PhD to his name and a wealth of real-world experience, Dr. Ed Weir isn't just an expert; he's your expert. He's passionate about helping people understand their benefits and get what they're entitled to. So, if you're looking for some one who can explain complex government stuff in plain English, with a bit of humor and the authority that only comes from having been there, you've found your guy.

Helping Americans navigate Social Security and Medicare nationwide
We are NOT a government entity. Please consult official resources such as SSA.gov or Medicare.gov. Our full disclaimer can be found in the link below.
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About Dr. Ed

Chapter Advisory, LLC (Chapter) is a private health insurance agency. In California, Chapter does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691). Chapter is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity. While Chapter has a database of every Medicare plan option nationwide and can help you to search among all options, it has contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, Chapter does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, Chapter represents 50 organizations which offer 18,601 products nationwide. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or you are in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.
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