Spousal Benefit Question

[kastring]

My wife claimed her SS benefit a couple of years ago.  It is quite a bit smaller than mine.

I just received my first SS check this morning.  I claimed mine at age 65.  If I understand correctly, my wife should be eligible to receive a spousal benefit based on my amount?  If so, is it automatically calculated and updated by the SS Administration or would we need to apply for the spousal benefit?

Thanks,

Jim

[GailL1]

Since you BOTH are now receiving benefits, she has to initiate the change from her own (work) benefits to spousal benefits by contacting SSA - 

I don't think either of you can do it using your SS account but I am not for sure.

Her Spousal benefits are gonna be dependent on your benefit (50%) but will also be adjusted by her age when she began her benefits.

How to compute them:

SSA.gov Benefits for Spouses

Yea, the change would have been easier if she had done it when you applied for your own benefits - but that's just logistical.