Social Security Maximum Family Benefit? (spouses, benefits, smart, collecting)

[Preston3124]

I have been reading about this aspect of the system and I’m not sure I understand when it applies. All the examples seem to be about situations where one family member is claiming based on another member’s earnings record. Is this the only time it applies?

My real question is this-

If two spouses are each claiming based on their own earnings records, can their benefits be reduced due to the maximum family benefit rule?

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by Preston3124

I have been reading about this aspect of the system and I’m not sure I understand when it applies. All the examples seem to be about situations where one family member is claiming based on another member’s earnings record. Is this the only time it applies?

My real question is this-

If two spouses are each claiming based on their own earnings records, can their benefits be reduced due to the maximum family benefit rule?

https://smartasset.com/retirement/wh...curity-benefit

Depends on your particular situation.

An example could be a 3rd party. Say you have a disabled son/daughter getting benefits.

[Preston3124]

Originally Posted by GWoodle

https://smartasset.com/retirement/wh...curity-benefit

Depends on your particular situation.

An example could be a 3rd party. Say you have a disabled son/daughter getting benefits.

Nothing like that applies. Just Spouse A collecting based on their earnings record and Spouse B collecting based on their earnings record.

Based on the link you provided it sounds like the maximum only applies to the amount that can be earned on one earnings record so it should not apply in my case.