If you're married, you can receive retirement benefits on your own record or spouse's benefits on your husband's record. If you've had high earnings, it's likely that your own benefits will be higher than a spouse's benefit on your husband's record. On the other hand, if you stopped work for several years or had low earnings, the spouse's benefit may be higher. People who are eligible for benefits on more than one record generally receive the larger benefit amount. Social Security will pay you the benefits on your own record first. If the spouse's benefit is more, Social Security will pay the difference on your husband's record to bring your total benefit up to the higher amount.