How do you file for Social Security benefits online?
You can apply online through the Social Security website, or by calling either your local office on 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 08:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Friday. US News IRS Refund Tracker: Why is your tax return still being processed?
How do I apply for SS Benefits online?
You can:
- Apply online (it should take about 15 minutes)
- By telephone using 1-800-772-1213
- In person at your local Social Security office. An appointment, made by phone, is required (1-800-772-1213).
How do you sign up for SS Benefits?
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate, or proof of U.S. citizenship
- Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax return (or both) for the last year you worked
- Your military discharge papers if you served in any branch of the military
How to start SSI benefits?
- Verify your intent to file.
- Confirm the information provided.
- Obtain any additional information needed.
- Offer you the opportunity to provide your verbal consent to sign the application.
Can I apply for spousal benefits online?
Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.
How long does it take for Social Security to approve spousal benefits?
Benefit applications can take up to three months to process, so apply three months before your planned start date. If you are drawing spousal or survivor benefits on another person's earnings record, your payment date depends on that person's birthday and follows the schedule above.
How do I apply for spousal retirement benefits?
You qualify for spousal benefits if:Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits.You have been married for at least a year.You are at least 62 years old (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, in which case the age rule does not apply).
What are the requirements for receiving your spouse's Social Security?
To qualify for spouse's benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age. Any age and caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse's record and who is younger than age 16 or disabled.
Does a wife get 50 of husband's Social Security?
You can receive up to 50% of your spouse's Social Security benefit. You can apply for benefits if you have been married for at least one year. If you have been divorced for at least two years, you can apply if the marriage lasted 10 or more years.
Are Social Security spousal benefits automatic?
When you apply for your retirement benefit, you're also automatically deemed to be applying for spousal benefits, if you're entitled to them. Again, Social Security will pay the greater of the two benefit amounts.
How much is Social Security spousal benefit?
You will reach normal retirement age in . A spouse can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a benefit as little as 32.5 percent of the worker's primary insurance amount. A spousal benefit is reduced 25/36 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months.
What percentage of Social Security benefits does a widow receive?
Widow or widower, full retirement age or older—100% of your benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 to full retirement age—71½ to 99% of your basic amount. A child under age 18 (19 if still in elementary or secondary school) or has a disability—75%.
Can I collect spousal benefits and wait until I am 70 to collect my own Social Security?
You can only collect spousal benefits and wait until 70 to claim your retirement benefit if both of the following are true: You were born before Jan. 2, 1954. Your spouse is collecting his or her own Social Security retirement benefit.
How does the Social Security spousal benefit work?
The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.
How much Social Security will my wife get if she never worked?
If you are required to file for both, you generally receive the higher benefit amount. A wife with no work record or low benefit entitlement on her own work record is eligible for between one-third and one-half of her spouse's Social Security benefit.
How does Social Security verify marriage?
You prove a ceremonial marriage by providing: A certified copy of the public record of the marriage; A certified copy of the religious record of the marriage; or. The original marriage certificate.
How to apply for spousal Social Security?
The easiest way to apply for spousal Social Security benefits is through your "My Social Security" account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. If you don't have an account, you can create one and apply from there. To apply online, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old. [8]
What does the SSA look for in spousal benefits?
The SSA looks at the amount of retirement benefits you're eligible for, then the amount of spousal benefits you're eligible for. If the spousal benefits are greater than your retirement benefits, you would be paid your retirement benefits first, then spousal benefits would be used to make up the difference. You always get the larger of the two ...
How much is my spouse's spousal benefit?
Decide when you want to start receiving benefits. Your full spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount. However, if you decide to start receiving those benefits before you reach your normal retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.
What is the lowest percentage of your spouse's insurance?
The lowest percentage you could possibly get is 32.5% of your spouse's primary insurance amount. In some situations, it might make sense for you to claim your spousal benefits early. However, if you can afford to do so, you'll get more money if you wait until you reach your normal retirement age.
What to do if you don't have all the documents requested by the SSA?
Tip: If you don't have all the documents requested by the SSA, call them and let you know. They can help you get them.
What is the phone number to call for Social Security?
If you can't apply online or don't want to use the online form, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
How to check status of Social Security application?
1. Set up an online account if you haven't already. From your "My Social Security" account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ , you can check the status of your application and manage your benefits. If you didn't apply for your benefits online, you can still set up a free account to manage your benefits.
Ways to Apply
You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.
Retirement or Spouse's Benefits
You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.
Disability Benefits
You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.
Appeal a Disability Decision
If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.
Medicare Benefits
You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:
How much of my spouse's retirement is my full benefit?
Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to 50 percent of your spouse’s full retirement age amount if you are full retirement age when you take it. If you qualify for your own retirement benefit and a spouse’s benefit, we always pay your own benefit first. You cannot receive spouse’s benefits unless your spouse is receiving his or her retirement ...
Can my spouse's survivor benefit be reduced?
On the other hand, if your spouse’s retirement benefit is higher than your retirement benefit, and he or she chooses to take reduced benefits and dies first, your survivor benefit will be reduced, but may be higher than what your spouse received.
How much is spousal benefit?
The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's " primary insurance amount ," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before " normal (or full) retirement age ," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit. However, if a spouse is caring for a qualifying child, the spousal benefit is not reduced.
What is the reduction factor for spousal benefits?
For a spouse who is not entitled to benefits on his or her own earnings record, this reduction factor is applied to the base spousal benefit, which is 50 percent of the worker's primary insurance amount. For example, if the worker's primary insurance amount is $1,600 and the worker's spouse chooses to begin receiving benefits 36 months ...
What age do you have to be to file for retirement?
Another requirement is that the spouse must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in her/his care.
Can a spouse reduce their spousal benefit?
However, if a spouse is caring for a qualifying child, the spousal benefit is not reduced. If a spouse is eligible for a retirement benefit based on his or her own earnings, and if that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, then we pay the retirement benefit. Otherwise we pay the spousal benefit. Compute the effect of early retirement ...
How old do you have to be to get spouse's Social Security?
To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age.
When will my spouse receive my full retirement?
You will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount if you wait until you reach full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. You will also receive the full amount if you are caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled.
What happens if your spouse's retirement benefits are higher than your own?
If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Here is an example: Mary Ann qualifies for a retirement benefit of $250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400.
How old do you have to be to apply for retirement?
If you are at least 62 years of age and you wish to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits, you can use our online retirement application to apply for one or both benefits.
How old do you have to be to get a mother's or father's benefit?
Mother's or Father's Benefits (You must have a child under age 16 or disabled in your care.)
What to do if you are not getting survivors benefits?
If you are not getting benefits. If you are not getting benefits, you should apply for survivors benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive.
Can you report a death online?
However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, ...
Can you collect survivors benefits if a family member dies?
You may receive survivors benefits when a family member dies. You and your family could be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of a worker who died. The deceased person must have worked long enough to qualify for benefits.
