what are spousal social security benefits

^{Social Security spousal benefits: Here’s what spouses can get}

• Spousal benefits from Social Security. When a worker files for benefits from Social Security, the worker's spouse may be able to claim a benefit based on the worker's contributions.
• Ex-spouses can get a check, too. And yes, even ex-spouses can file based on your earnings. You must have been married at least 10 years.
• Strategies for claiming a spousal benefit. Social Security offers quite a few options for how to claim your benefits, and while the options are meant to give flexibility to retirees ...
• Bottom line. Spouses have a lot of flexibility, thanks to the Social Security spousal benefit. ...

How do you calculate spouse Social Security benefits?

The requirements for claiming benefits based on your ex-spouse's work record include:

• 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.
• The benefit you would receive from your work record would be less than this spousal benefit.

What benefits does social security offer spouses?

What benefits does social security offer spouses? As a spouse, you can claim a Social Security benefit based off your own earnings, as well as you collect the spousal benefit, which can provide up to 50% of the full retirement age (FRA) of your spouse’s Social Security benefit. The Social Security website can help you determine what your FRA ...

How couples can maximize social security benefits?

You can expect the following when applying for Social Security spousal benefits: To make the most of your spousal Social Security benefit, it can be helpful to be aware of the amount you might be ...

How to calculate spouse SSA benefit?

Today's Social Security column addresses questions about how Social Security spousal benefits are calculated, whether it's necessary to file in January to get a given year's COLA and what effects of benefits rates not paying taxes can have. Larry Kotlikoff ...

Who is eligible for spousal Social Security benefits?

You're eligible for spousal benefits if you're married, divorced, or widowed, and your spouse is or was eligible for Social Security. Spouses and ex-spouses generally are eligible for up to half of the spouse's entitlement. Widows and widowers can receive up to 100%.

When can a spouse collect spousal Social Security benefits?

least 62 years of ageTo 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.

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 is the average spousal Social Security benefit?

The average monthly payout for all retired workers was $1,660.90 in January 2022 according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), while those claiming spousal benefits received an average check of $839.35. Here's how Social Security works for those looking to claim a spousal benefit.

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

If they qualify, your ex-spouse, spouse, or child may receive a monthly payment of up to one-half of your retirement benefit amount. These Social Security payments to family members will not decrease the amount of your retirement benefit.

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.

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 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.

Do married couples get two Social Security checks?

Not when it comes to each spouse's own benefit. Both can receive retirement payments based on their respective earnings records and the age when they claimed benefits. One payment does not offset or affect the other.

How does the 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.

Does spousal Social Security benefits reduce my benefits?

If I receive a spouse benefit, will it reduce the amount that my spouse receives? No, receiving benefits on your spouse's earnings record does not affect the amount of the retirement or disability benefit that your spouse receives.

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

You must have been married for over 10 years to get this income. 2. You also must be age 62 to file for or receive a spousal benefit. You can also wait longer. If you wait until you are at full retirement age (up to 67, depending on when you were born) to file, you will get a larger amount than if you file sooner. 3.

How much of my spouse's Social Security is based on my work history?

If you take the benefits based on your spouse's work history and earnings, you will get 50% of the amount of your spouse’s Social Security benefit. This amount is calculated their full retirement age, or FRA. FRA depends on when you were born. You can check the Social Security website to find out how old you or your spouse need to be to reach FRA.

How much life insurance can a married couple get?

In many cases, it can provide $50,000 to $250,000 of life insurance. Married couples should plan how to get the most out of both their spousal and survivor benefits.

Do you lose Social Security if you retire early?

Social Security is based on your lifetime earnings. Anyone will lose part of their own benefit if they retire early. If you begin getting a spousal benefit before you reach your FRA, your benefit will be permanently lower. This is true unless you’re caring for a qualifying child.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit for a spouse?

The allowed Social Security retirement benefit for a spouse starts at 32.5% at age 62 and gradually increases to 50% of the amount that their spouse is eligible to receive at full retirement age, which is 66 or 67 depending on their birth year.

How old do you have to be to get spousal benefits?

The spouse must be at least 62 years old or have a qualifying child – a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits – in his or her care.

What is the maximum amount of benefits a spouse can receive?

Note that the maximum benefit for a spouse is 50% of their spouse’s benefit. That means that your spouse would have had to earn a substantial amount more over his or her working life to make that benefit higher ...

How long do you have to wait to apply for Social Security?

You can first apply for Social Security if you are no more than three months away from age 62. But your benefits increase significantly if you wait until you reach full retirement age, which can be 66 or 67, depending on your year of birth. To apply for spousal benefits, go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.

How much Social Security can a widow receive?

Widows and widowers may be able to receive up to 100% of the deceased spouse's Social Security benefit. Social Security uses a formula for families with more than one eligible dependent to calculate maximum benefits.

Can same sex couples get Social Security?

Both opposite-sex and same-sex married couples are eligible for Social Security spousal and dependent benefits. So are some individuals in legal relationships such as civil unions and domestic partnerships. And those who were married for at least 10 years and have been divorced for at least two years also can apply.

Is Social Security complicated for married people?

Social security is complicated for individual filers, and being married can make it even more complicated. That’s because Social Security includes benefits for the spouse as well as the individual. When an individual files for retirement benefits, that person’s spouse may be eligible for a benefit based on the worker's earnings according to ...

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 much is spousal benefit reduced?

Specifically, your spousal benefit will be reduced by approximately 0.7% (25/36 of 1%) for each month before your FRA. If you file for benefits more than 36 months before your FRA, then your benefit will be reduced by approximately 0.4% (5/12 of 1%) for each month after 36 months.

How much is my spouse's FRA benefit?

So, let’s say your spouse retires at his or her FRA and is eligible for a benefit of $1,600. Then, you would in turn be eligible at your FRA for $800. If you contributed to Social Security, you may wonder if your spousal benefit will be higher than your own benefit. Thankfully, you don’t need to worry.

How to save for retirement?

Tips for Saving for Retirement 1 All of the age thresholds and eligibility requirements and conditions for your Social Security benefits can be a bit overwhelming. If so, you may want to look at our Social Security calculator. You can fill in your information, and we’ll do the rest. 2 In any retirement conversation, it’s always important to be mindful of the retirement tax laws in the state you live in. Taking your state’s laws into account can make a significant difference as you plan for retirement. 3 If you already have some money to spare, you could save even more by finding a financial advisor. A financial advisor can take a comprehensive look at your finances and determine where you can cut expenses and save more. To find the right advisor, you can use SmartAsset’s free financial advisor matching tool. You can answer a series of questions about your financial goals and situation. Then, the tool will match you with three qualified financial advisors in your area.

Does Social Security make a difference in retirement?

However, there are some lesser known features of Social Security that can make a big difference for your retirement. Social Security spousal benefits are just one of these features. Intended for married couples with a sole or primary breadwinner, spousal benefits can significantly increase the amount of money you have coming in during retirement.

Does Social Security determine spousal benefit?

Social Security will automatically determine which is higher between your benefit or your spousal benefit. Then, you will receive the higher amount. There are a couple specific details that can alter the amount of your spousal benefit.

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 ...

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.

Can a spouse file for Social Security at full retirement age?

Using this strategy, the higher-earning spouse could file for Social Security at full retirement age (thus making it possible for their spouse to get spousal benefits), but then "suspend" his or her claim and not take benefits until later, while racking up delayed retirement credits in the meantime. 5 .

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 ...

What is the maximum survivor benefit?

The retirement insurance benefit limit is the maximum survivor benefit you may receive. Generally, the limit is the higher of: The reduced monthly retirement benefit to which the deceased spouse would have been entitled if they had lived, or.

What happens if you take your reduced retirement first?

If you took your reduced retirement first while waiting for your spouse to reach retirement age, when you add spouse’s benefits later, your own retirement portion remains reduced which causes the total retirement and spouses benefit together to total less than 50 percent of the worker’s amount. You can find out more on our website.

What does it mean to have a partner?

Having a partner means sharing many things including a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important. When you’re planning for your fun and vibrant golden years, here are a few things to remember:

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?

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Social Security Spouse's Benefit Estimates

Plan for your future with a my Social Security account. With a my Social Security account, you can view the benefits you could receive based on your spouse’s earnings history, or the benefits your spouse could receive based on your earnings history.

Follow these steps to get started

Ask your spouse to create or open their my Social Security account, go to the ‘Plan for Retirement’ section, and note their retirement benefit estimate at their full retirement age or Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).

How much is spousal benefit reduced?

The spousal benefit is reduced by about seven-tenths of one percent for each month before full retirement age, up to 36 months. If you exceed the 36 months, Social Security will dock about four-tenths of one percent for further months. The math can be complicated, but Social Security provides a tool to help you calculate your spousal benefit.

How old do you have to be to get spousal benefits?

For spouses to receive the benefit, they must be at least age 62 or care for a child under age 16 (or one receiving Social Security disability benefits). In addition, spouses cannot claim the spousal benefit until the worker files for her or his benefit. There are other important caveats about the spousal benefit as well.

How much will my spouse get in Social Security in 2021?

The average monthly payout for all retired workers was $1,553.68 in May 2021 according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), while those claiming spousal benefits received an average check of $795.89.

What percentage of my spouse's retirement benefits are reduced?

Benefits may be reduced so that the spouse receives as little as 32.5 percent of the retiree's benefit.

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

The requirements for claiming benefits based on your ex-spouse's work record include: 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.

Can a spouse take their own benefit?

Spouses may also take their own benefit early and then switch to their partner's benefit later. "I have several clients where her own benefit is less than or very close to half the spousal benefit and he plans to wait until age 70 to claim," Toth says.

Can ex spouses get Social Security?

Spouses are one of the many beneficiaries of Social Security, and even ex-spouses can claim a payout from the program in some circumstances. When you apply for Social Security, you automatically apply for the greater of your benefit or half your spouse's benefit.