[DB]

My wife and I file a joint return. My earnings are her earnings as well.

I work hard so she doesn’t have to have a job outside the home.

She damn well entitled to collect social security (when the time comes) from our joint income and taxes paid.

[presently no screen name]

The same here. Difference is - there is two paying into the system. It's not a hard concept to follow and understand.

Your taxes have nothing to do with it - what you pay into SS does.

I work hard so she doesn’t have to have a job outside the home.

YOU are not unique. I've yet to hear anyone say they don't work hard. Working hard has nothing to do with only one paying into the system.