Aug
09
2010
By Guest (not verified)
Just wondering how this can be possible:
I'm 38 years old and have paid over $47K into Social Security as of 2008. My spouse is 35 and has only paid around $27K. Both of our jobs pay almost exactly the same, as well as our past employment history over the reported years.
How is it that her Social Security benefits show that she will receive considerably more than I will at retirement? This doesn't make sense to me. I've almost doubled what she has paid in.
Benefit amounts
I assume you're referring to earnings data from a recent "Personal Statement". Assuming the work history and earnings data is correct, a higher salary should result in a higher retirement benefit.
See the Quick Benefit Calculator.
I used the default date of birth 6/15/1950, with retirement in June, 2015. If my average salary is $30,000, the monthly benefit is $976. If my average salary is $60,000, the monthly benefit is $1,541.
You may want to contact the SSA directly if you feel there's an error in your Personal Statement.