What is the maximum monthly Social Security spousal benefit based on a $2,000 FRA benefit?
If a worker's full retirement age benefit is $2,000 per month, the maximum spousal benefit is 50% of that amount. This totals $1,000 per month. No additional increase is applied after reaching full retirement age.
✓ Accepted answer
The maximum monthly Social Security spousal benefit based on a full retirement age (FRA) benefit of $2,000 is $1,000.
- Calculation Rule: The benefit is set at 50% of the primary insurance amount (the worker’s FRA benefit). Therefore, 50% of $2,000 equates to $1,000 per month.
- Benefit Selection: If the spouse’s own work history generates a higher personal benefit, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay the higher of the two amounts rather than supplementing the lower one.
- Eligibility Criteria: You generally must be at least 62 years old to claim this benefit. This applies to spouses and, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, to ex-spouses who remain unmarried.
- Payment Independence: This benefit is not paid on top of a personal retirement benefit. It is a standalone payment based on the partner’s earnings record, with no additional increase applied upon reaching full retirement age.
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