You will have to file an application to switch from survivor benefits on a late spouse's work record to retirement benefits on your own record. You should apply four months before you want your retirement benefit to start. Can I switch from spousal benefits to my own online? Hi.
Can I switch from my social security benefit to a spousal benefit?
If your spouse is already getting Social Security when you claim benefits, you are subject to the "deemed filing" rule. Under this provision, you don't have a choice whether to wait and switch. When you apply for your retirement benefit, you're also automatically deemed to be applying for spousal benefits, if you're entitled to them. Jan 9 2020
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 you switch to spousal benefit?
You can only switch from your own Social Security benefits to spousal benefits if your spouse hasn't yet begun claiming benefits. 5 If you are eligible for Social Security benefits and spousal benefits at the time you initially file, then you will be given the higher of the two options. 3 What is a deemed filing for Social Security?
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.
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 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 do I switch from my spouse's Social Security 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 spousal benefit at age 70 online?
You will have to file an application to switch from survivor benefits on a late spouse's work record to retirement benefits on your own record. You should apply four months before you want your retirement benefit to start.
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 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.
How do I change 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);
How do I stop my survivor benefits?
If you believe you are eligible, please complete a Survivor Benefit Plan Termination Request (DD 2656-2) and mail or fax it to DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay. 2.
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 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.
What is the maximum spousal benefit?
The top spousal benefit is 50 percent of your husband's or wife's primary insurance amount (the retirement benefit he or she is entitled to at full retirement age, which is currently 66 and 2 months and is gradually rising to 67 over the next several years). You can get that maximum if you first claim benefits at your own full retirement age;
What percentage of Social Security benefits are paid to spouse?
Again, Social Security will pay the greater of the two benefit amounts. The top spousal benefit is 50 percent of your husband's or wife's primary insurance amount ...
How old do you have to be to claim spousal benefits?
To claim a spousal benefit based on an ex-spouse's earnings record, your ex-spouse has to be 62 and eligible for benefits, but there is no requirement that they must have already filed for benefits. 1 . To claim a spousal benefit based on your current spouse's earnings record, your current spouse must have filed for their own benefits already ...
What happens if my spouse has already filed for spousal support?
If your spouse has already filed, you will automatically receive the larger of your own or the spousal benefit. If your spouse has not filed yet but you have, when your spouse files, the deemed filing rules come into play.
Is Social Security confusing?
Social Security spousal benefits are confusing, and among the most common thing readers ask about. The most frequent cause for confusion comes from one small difference between benefits for a spouse versus an ex-spouse.
Can a spouse collect spousal benefits if their spouse is suspended?
Due to Social Security laws that were passed in November 2015 anyone who suspends benefits after April 30, 2016, will end up suspending all benefits based on their record — which means a spouse cannot collect spousal benefits during a time when their spouse has " suspended" benefits. 3 .
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 ...