How can I make sure my 81 year old mother is receiving as much as she can on Social Security?
Both of my parents were teachers so if my Dad's SS is more than my Mother's can't she benefit from him getting a higher Social Security amount each month? Would if affect his amount if she collected off him?
Assuming that your parents are both alive, took their benefit at their full retirement age and are still married, the general rule is that the lower earning spouse receives either their own benefit or half of the high earning spouse's benefit, whichever is higher. This does not affect the benefit for the higher earning spouse. If the higher earning spouse dies, the lower earning spouse then receives the entire higher benefit. Your local SS office can help with exact numbers.
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