FRA has adjusted, why haven’t there been other age adjustments for Social Security benefits? Leaving them alone works in the system’s favor.
reduction factors
Calculating the Reduced Social Security Spousal Benefit
Among the pile of very confusing calculations for various Social Security benefits is the incredibly confusing Spousal Benefit. This calculation becomes even more confusing when filed for prior to Full Retirement Age (FRA), as it is further reduced. Briefly, the maximum amount that a Spousal Benefit can be is 50% of the other spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). PIA, if you’ll recall, is equivalent to the amount of benefit that the other spouse would receive in benefits at his or her own Full Retirement Age. The calculation is actually a bit more complicated than that. The Spousal Benefit for Jane (on her husband John’s record) is calculated as follows: John’s PIA times 50% minus Jane’s PIA times the early-filing reduction factor That amount is then added to Jane’s benefit, which could be reduced by filing early or enhanced by Delayed Retirement Credits for filing later, to come up with Jane’s […]
Sterling Raskie, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®
The latest in our Owner’s Manual series, A 401(k) Owner’s Manual, was published in January 2020 and is available on 
A Medicare Owner’s Manual, is updated with 2020 facts and figures. This manual is available on 
Social Security for the Suddenly Single can be found on Amazon at 
Sterling’s first book, Lose Weight Save Money, can be 
An IRA Owner’s Manual, 2nd Edition is available for purchase on Amazon. Click the link to choose the 
Jim’s book – A Social Security Owner’s Manual, is now available on Amazon. Click this link for the 
And if you’ve come here to learn about queuing waterfowl, I apologize for the confusion. You may want to discuss your question with Lester, my loyal watchduck and self-proclaimed “advisor’s advisor”.