Go to www.ssa.gov. On the main page, click on “online services” and then select “apply for retirement bene its.” Since you are currently collecting benefits on your spouse’s record, you should be able to start a new application for retirement benefits under your own Social Security number.
Will I Loose my SSI benefits if get married?
You will lose your SSI benefits if you get married and you and your spouse's combined income and assets exceed the eligibility requirements set by the Social Security Administration. In order to be eligible for SSI, you must meet certain requirements. And to qualify for SSI, you must be disabled, blind or older than 65.
Can my wife switch to spousal benefits?
This would result in a slight increase ($50/mth) in benefits. No, a person can't take reduced benefits on their own account and then switch to a full spousal benefit at full retirement age (FRA). It's possible that she could qualify for an excess spousal benefit on your account, but not likely.
Can I collect spousal benefits and my own social security?
“You are eligible for spousal benefits if your spouse has filed for Social Security benefits and you are at least age 62,” Moraif says. If you have a work history, you may be eligible for a personal benefit. In this situation, you can receive your own personal benefit if it is greater than the spousal benefit.
How long will I still qualify for benefits?
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limits eligibility for SNAP benefits to U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present non-citizens. Generally, to qualify for SNAP, non-citizens must meet one of the following criteria: Have lived in the United States for at least 5 years. Be receiving disability-related assistance or benefits.
Can I collect spousal benefits and then switch to my own Social Security?
Key Takeaways. A federal law passed in 2015 eliminated two strategies couples formerly used to maximize their Social Security benefits. Spouses born after Jan. 1, 1954, can no longer claim spousal benefits and later switch to collecting benefits based on their own work record.
Can I collect spousal benefit 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 do I change my Social Security from spousal to my own?
Go to www.ssa.gov. On the main page, click on “online services” and then select “apply for retirement bene its.” Since you are currently collecting benefits on your spouse's record, you should be able to start a new application for retirement benefits under your own Social Security number.
Can I switch from widow's benefits to my own Social Security?
If you receive benefits as a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you are eligible for retirement benefits and your retirement rate is higher than your rate as a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse.
How do I change my Social Security benefits?
You can apply for many different Social Security benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. Apply for Social Security retirement/spouse's benefits; Apply for Social Security disability benefits (and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if applying at the same time and you meet other criteria);
Can you collect 1/2 of spouse's Social Security and then your full amount?
Your full spouse's benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to begin receiving spouse's benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.
Can I change my Social Security status online?
You can change and update your information anytime, anywhere by logging in to or creating a free my Social Security account.
Can I switch Social Security benefits online?
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you can update much of your information online with your personal my Social Security account. If you need to make a change that cannot be done through my Social Security, you can contact us for additional support.
Can I stop my Social Security and restart later?
If you change your mind about starting your benefits, you can cancel your application for up to 12 months after you became entitled to retirement benefits. This process is called a withdrawal. You can reapply later. You are limited to one withdrawal per lifetime.
How long does a widow receive survivor benefits?
for lifeWidows and widowers Generally, spouses and ex-spouses become eligible for survivor benefits at age 60 — 50 if they are disabled — provided they do not remarry before that age. These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit.
Can I take my Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?
Only if your spouse is not yet receiving retirement benefits. In this case, you can claim your own Social Security beginning at 62 and make the switch to spousal benefits when your husband or wife files.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit for a widow?
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 my wife claim spousal benefits before I retire?
No. You have to be receiving your Social Security retirement or disability benefit for your husband or wife to collect spousal benefits.
Can I collect Social Security as a divorced spouse and wait to claim my own retirement benefit?
Can I collect Social Security as a divorced spouse and wait to claim my own retirement benefit? In most circumstances, no. You can only file what Social Security calls a “restricted application” to claim ex-spousal benefits alone and postpone claiming your retirement benefits if: You were born before Jan.
When can a spouse claim spousal benefits?
You must have been married at least 10 years. You must have been divorced from the spouse for at least two consecutive years. You are unmarried. Your ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
When can I receive Social Security spousal benefits?
62 years of ageBenefits For Your Spouse Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits. Your spouse can also qualify for Medicare at age 65.
How long before you can file for survivor benefits?
You should apply four months before you want your retirement benefit to start.
Does Social Security pay for survivor benefits?
If you are eligible for both survivor and retirement benefits, Social Security will pay your own retirement benefit first , then top it up to match the survivor benefit if that amount is higher.
How many people receive Social Security benefits as a spouse?
A recent Social Security report found that 2.3 million individuals received at least part of their benefit as a spouse of an entitled worker. Some of these spouses had benefits of their own, but were eligible to receive higher benefit because the spousal benefit amount was greater than their own benefit. Others never worked outside the home ...
How much is spousal benefit?
Depending on how old you are when you file, the spousal benefit amount will range between 32.5% and 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement benefit. Check out the chart below to get an idea of how the benefit works and what your payment might be if you can take advantage ...
What is the 1 year requirement for Social Security?
The 1-year requirement is also waived if you were entitled (or potentially entitled!) to Social Security benefits on someone else’s work record in the month before you were married. An example of these benefits would be spousal benefits, survivor benefits or parent’s benefits.
What is Julie's reduction to her own benefit?
This means that Julie’s reduction to her own benefit would be based on her age when she filed for her benefit. However, her reduction to the spousal benefit would be based on her age when Joe filed for his benefit. So, if Julie filed when she was 62, her own benefit would be reduced.
How long do you have to be married to get spousal benefits?
The Two Exceptions to Know Around the 1 Year Marriage Requirement. Normally, you must be married for at least 12 continuous months to meet the spousal benefit duration-of-marriage requirement. However, there are two exceptions to this rule.
How much of my spouse's Social Security is my full retirement?
Remember, in that case, it’s between 32.5% and 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement age benefit, depending on your filing age. However, it can seem a little more complicated if you have Social Security benefits from your work history.
How much is Joe's retirement?
Joe’s benefit at his full retirement age is $2,000. Assuming they are both full retirement age when they file, Joe will be entitled to a benefit of $2,000 and Julie will be entitled to the greater of her own benefit or half of Joe’s benefit.
How much can I receive as a spouse?
The maximum you can receive as a spouse or ex-spouse is 50 percent of your former spouse’s benefit at Full Retirement Age. So, if their benefit at Full Retirement Age would be $2,000 a month, you may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 a month if you wait until Full Retirement Age to file for spousal benefits.
How much do I get if I file for Social Security at 62?
How much you receive, though, depends on when you file . If you file at age 62, you will receive a smaller percentage of your spouse’s benefit — roughly 30 percent versus 50 percent. Once you file for your benefits as a spouse, the amount you receive freezes at that amount for the rest of your life, which makes it worthwhile to see how long you can ...
Can I apply for spousal benefits if my spouse has retired?
The rules around spousal benefits can be complicated. Generally speaking, you can only apply for spousal benefits if your spouse has applied for their retirement benefits . If your spouse is eligible for retirement benefits, but has not yet filed for them, you can’t apply.
Can I get Social Security if my ex-husband made more money than I did?
In short, the answer is, yes.
Can I file for Social Security if I am an ex-spouse?
If, however, you are an ex-spouse, the rules are different. If you were married at least 10 years, and you and your former spouse are at least 62, and your former spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits, you may file for spousal benefits on their record even if they haven’t filed. Your filing as an ex-spouse will not impact the amount ...