The "primary insurance amount" (PIA) is the benefit (before rounding down to next lower whole dollar) a person would receive if he/she elects to begin receiving retirement benefits at his/her normal retirement age.
How do I qualify for Social Security spousal benefits?
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.
When can a spouse apply for spousal benefits?
age 62 or olderForm 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.
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.
Does a wife get half 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.
How long does it take 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.
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.
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.
Can I collect my husband's Social Security if he is still alive?
The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age will remain at age 60. Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor.
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 best Social Security strategy for married couples?
Coordinating your benefits with your spouse's benefits can help you both get the most out of your Social Security payments. In some cases, it makes sense for both spouses to claim on the same spouse's earnings record. Many couples use a "split strategy," which means they begin claiming at different ages.
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.