how to qualify for spousal benefits social security

• Your birth certificate
• Proof of US citizenship status or lawful permanent residence
• US military discharge papers
• W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the past year
• Your final divorce decree, if you're applying as a divorced spouse
• Your marriage certificate

Full Answer

What is the maximum Social Security spousal benefit?

However, in order to get the maximum spousal benefit, you and your spouse must meet these criteria:

• Your spouse must have earned more than the Social Security maximum taxable wage limit for at least 35 years of his or her career.
• Your spouse must be receiving his or her own benefit already.
• You must wait until your full retirement age to file for benefits.

Does spousal support count as income for SSI?

While SSI payments are generally not considered when calculating income to decide a spousal support award, SSDI benefits usually are considered. Meanwhile, if the party who pays alimony doesn’t make the payments, their SSDI benefits, as well as other types of income, can be garnished to satisfy the obligation.

Can my spouse collect Social Security 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. When can a spouse claim spousal benefits? You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, but you won’t receive as much as if you wait until your own full retirement age.

What determines my spousal Social Security benefit?

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Who is eligible for spousal benefits Social Security?

In general, you may be eligible if you are married, divorced, or widowed and your spouse was eligible for benefits. Those who apply for spousal benefits must have been married for at least one year. Your spouse must also have begun receiving Social Security benefits – unless you are widowed.

When can my spouse collect half of my 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. Starting benefits early may lead to a reduction in payments.

What are the eligibility rules 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).

How long does it take Social Security to approve spousal benefits?

Usually, it is 6 weeks. But the accuracy of your information and the number of applications at the time you apply may extend the timeframe.

What is the best Social Security strategy for married couples?

3 Social Security Strategies for Married Couples Retiring EarlyHave the higher earner claim Social Security early. ... Have the lower earner claim Social Security early. ... Delay Social Security jointly and live on savings or other income sources.

Can my wife collect spousal Social Security 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 you collect 1/2 of spouse's Social Security and then your full amount?

The most you can collect in spousal benefits is 50 percent of your spouse's monthly benefit at full retirement age (the age at which a person becomes eligible for 100 percent of the benefit calculated from their lifetime earnings).

How does SSA spousal benefit work?

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.

Can my wife draw off my Social Security at age 62?

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.

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.

Can you collect 1/2 of spouse's Social Security and then your full amount?

The most you can collect in spousal benefits is 50 percent of your spouse's monthly benefit at full retirement age (the age at which a person becomes eligible for 100 percent of the benefit calculated from their lifetime earnings).

Can I collect ex 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.

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 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.

Is my spouse's retirement benefit based on my primary insurance?

The amount of your spousal benefit isn't affected by the age at which your spouse started receiving their retirement benefits. It is always based on your spouse's primary insurance amount, which is the amount they would receive if they started claiming benefits at their normal retirement age (NRA).

Can my ex-spouse get Social Security?

Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security benefits (either retirement or disability) Your retirement benefits are less than your spousal benefits based on their work would be. You've been divorced for at least 2 years (if your ex-spouse has not yet claimed their benefits)

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.

Can a spouse receive Social Security?

They have no benefit of their own, but thanks to the Social Security spousal benefit available under their spouse’s work record, they can still receive payments. This particular benefit doesn’t just provide retirement income, either. As an eligible spouse, you could also receive premium-free Medicare benefits.

What age can a spouse file for Social Security?

When a worker files for retirement benefits, the worker's spouse may be eligible for a benefit based on the worker's earnings. Another requirement is that the spouse must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in her/his care. By a qualifying child, we mean a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.

How much is spousal benefit reduced?

A spousal benefit is reduced 25/36 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months. If the number of months exceeds 36, then the benefit is further reduced 5/12 of one percent per month.

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 ...

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 ...

Documents you may need to provide

We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:

What we will ask you

You should also have your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution so you can sign up for Direct Deposit, and avoid worries about lost or stolen checks and mail delays.

How much can I collect as a spouse?

If you wait until full retirement age to claim benefits, you'll receive the maximum amount you can collect as a spouse. That is equal to 50% of your spouse's benefit amount. 3 . The benefits claiming strategy known as "file and suspend" has been totally eliminated.

What is the full retirement age for Social Security?

Full retirement age, for Social Security purposes, is between 66 and 67, depending on your year of birth. 2 . One exception: If you are caring for your spouse's child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits, you can collect spousal benefits at any age without a reduction. 3 . ...

Can you collect spousal benefits on your own?

However, only one person per couple may collect spousal benefits while earning delayed retirement credits on his or her own account. And, to repeat, this option is no longer available to anyone who wasn't born on or before Jan. 1, 1954.

Can I apply for Social Security if my spouse is not eligible?

Key Takeaways. Spouses who aren't eligible for Social Security on their own work record can apply for benefits based on the other spouse's record. The maximum spousal benefit is equal to 50% of the other spouse's benefit. People can apply for spousal benefits as early as age 62, but they'll get more money if they wait until their full retirement ...

When can I file for Medicare?

You can file a claim under their account as early as age 62, as long as your spouse has already filed to collect their own benefits. 1  You will also be able to apply for Medicare health coverage at age 65. 1 .

Can I file a restricted application for Social Security?

To file a restricted application, both you and your spouse must be of full retirement age, and you both must have filed for Social Security benefits. 5 . Filing a restricted application can result in a higher benefit amount when you later file for Social Security under your own account.

Can I claim my spouse's Social Security if I never worked?

If you have never worked or paid Social Security taxes (or didn't pay them for long enough), you won't be eligible to claim Social Security retirement benefits on your own account. However, you may be able to receive spousal benefits through your spouse's account.

How to apply for spousal benefits?

You can expect the following when applying for Social Security spousal benefits: 1 You can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s Social Security benefit. 2 You can apply for benefits if you have been married for at least one year. 3 If you have been divorced for at least two years, you can apply if the marriage lasted 10 or more years. 4 Starting benefits early may lead to a reduction in payments. 5 If you have a work history, you’ll receive either your benefit or the spousal benefit, whichever is greater. 6 To be eligible, your working spouse will need to have already claimed benefits.

How much of my spouse's Social Security benefits do I get at age 62?

If your full retirement age is 66 and you begin to receive spousal benefits at age 62, you will receive 30% of your spouse's monthly benefit. If you claim spousal benefits at age 65, you will receive slightly less than 50% of your spouse's monthly benefit, depending on the exact month you start collecting payments.

How long can I file for spousal benefits after divorce?

If you have been divorced for at least two years, you can apply if the marriage lasted 10 or more years. Starting benefits early may lead to a reduction in payments. If you have a work history, you’ll receive either your benefit or the spousal benefit, whichever is greater. To be eligible, your working spouse will need to have already claimed ...

How long do you have to be married to receive spousal benefits?

You will still need to be married for at least one year before applying for benefits. Spousal benefits differ from personal benefits when it comes to delaying payments. If you delay personal benefits past full retirement age, the benefit increases over time. However, spousal benefits max out at full retirement age.

How long do you have to be married to get Social Security?

You should be married for at least one year before applying for Social Security benefits. “You are eligible for spousal benefits if your spouse has filed for Social Security benefits and you are at least age 62,” Moraif says.

What is the full retirement age?

The full retirement age varies by birth year and is usually age 66 or 67 . If you are married and your spouse begins collecting $2,000 per month at full retirement age, your spousal benefit will be $1,000 if you start payments at your full retirement age. How Much You Will Get From Social Security. ]

How much Social Security can I get if I'm married?

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.

How much is spousal benefit?

Depending on your age upon claiming, spousal benefits can range from 32.5 percent to 50 percent of your husband’s or wife’s primary insurance amount (the retirement benefit to which he or she is entitled at full retirement age, or FRA).

How long do you have to be married to collect spousal 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 (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, in which case the age rule does not apply).

What percentage of survivor benefits are based on a child?

If the survivor benefit is based on your caring for a child, you receive 75 percent of the deceased’s benefit, ...

How much of a survivor's Social Security benefit do you get if you have a child?

If the survivor benefit is based on your caring for a child, you receive 75 percent of the deceased’s benefit, regardless of your own age when you file. Keep in mind. Your spousal benefit is not affected by the age at which your husband or wife claimed Social Security benefits.

What is survivor benefit?

In most cases, survivor benefits are based on the benefit amount the late spouse was receiving, or was eligible to receive, when he or she died. How much of that amount you are entitled to depends on your age when you file.

How long do you have to be married to receive survivor benefits?

The chief criteria to qualify for survivor benefits are: You were married to the deceased for at least nine months (unless the death is accidental or occurs in the line of military duty, in which case there is no minimum time period). You are at least age 60, unless you are disabled (then it’s 50) or caring for a child of ...

Does Social Security increase if late spouse files for FRA?

With survivor benefits, if your late spouse boosted his or her Social Security payment by waiting past FRA to file, your survivor benefit would also increase. Your spousal or survivor benefits may be reduced if you are under full retirement age and continue to work. Social Security is phasing in the FRA increase differently for different types ...

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 get survivors benefits if you die?

The Basics About Survivors Benefits. Your family members may receive survivors benefits if you die. If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of those taxes you pay are for survivors benefits. Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings.