Social Security spousal benefits provide financial support to individuals who are married to someone who has earned Social Security benefits. If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you may be eligible for spousal benefits based on your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s earnings record. These benefits are particularly important for those who may have limited work history or lower lifetime earnings. In this article, we’ll explain what Social Security spousal benefits are, who qualifies for them, and how to apply for them.
What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits?
Social Security spousal benefits allow you to receive a portion of your spouse’s Social Security benefits. The amount you’re eligible to receive depends on several factors, such as your spouse’s work history and your own work history, as well as the age at which you start claiming the benefits.
Spousal benefits are designed to provide income to a non-working or lower-earning spouse in order to help ensure that both partners have financial security during retirement. These benefits can be claimed while your spouse is alive or after they pass away (in the case of widow or widower benefits).
Who Qualifies for Social Security Spousal Benefits?
To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, you must meet certain requirements. Let’s break them down:
1. Married Couples
- You must be married to someone who qualifies for Social Security: Your spouse must have worked and earned enough Social Security credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. Generally, this means your spouse must have worked for at least 10 years or earned 40 credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits.
- You must be at least 62 years old: You can begin claiming spousal benefits as early as age 62, although if you start claiming before your full retirement age (FRA), your benefits will be reduced.
- You must be married for at least one year: You must be married for at least one year to be eligible for spousal benefits based on your spouse’s earnings record. This rule also applies if your spouse has already started collecting Social Security benefits.
2. Divorced Spouses
- You must have been married for at least 10 years: To qualify for benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings, you must have been married for at least 10 years.
- You must be unmarried: If you remarry, you generally lose your right to receive benefits based on your former spouse’s record. However, if your subsequent marriage ends, you may again be eligible for benefits based on your first spouse’s record.
- Your ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security benefits: Your ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security benefits (even if they are not yet claiming them).
- You must be at least 62 years old: Just like with married couples, you must be at least 62 years old to claim benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings, and your benefits may be reduced if claimed before FRA.
3. Widows and Widowers
- You must be at least 60 years old: Widows and widowers can start claiming survivor benefits as early as age 60. However, starting early may reduce the amount of your benefits.
- You must have been married for at least 9 months: You must have been married to the deceased spouse for at least 9 months at the time of their death to qualify for survivor benefits.
- You must not remarry before age 60: If you remarry before age 60, you generally forfeit your eligibility for survivor benefits. However, if you remarry after age 60, you may still be eligible for benefits based on your deceased spouse’s record.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount you can receive in Social Security spousal benefits depends on your spouse’s benefit and your own work history.
- The Maximum Spousal Benefit: If you claim spousal benefits at full retirement age (FRA), you can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s Social Security benefit, provided this amount is higher than the benefit you would receive based on your own work history.
- Early Claims: If you choose to claim spousal benefits before your FRA, your benefit will be reduced. For example, if you start at 62, your benefits could be reduced by as much as 30% compared to claiming at FRA.
- Delayed Claims: If you wait until after your FRA to claim spousal benefits (up to age 70), your benefit amount may increase due to delayed retirement credits, but you can’t receive more than 50% of your spouse’s FRA benefit.
Example:
- Your Spouse’s Benefit: Suppose your spouse is entitled to $2,000 per month in Social Security benefits at their FRA.
- Your Spousal Benefit: If you start claiming benefits at your FRA, you could receive $1,000 per month (50% of your spouse’s $2,000 benefit).
If you’re eligible for both your own benefit and a spousal benefit, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay you the higher of the two amounts but not both. This is called the “deemed filing” rule.
How to Apply for Spousal Benefits
You can apply for Social Security spousal benefits online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits based on your own work record, the SSA will automatically consider you for spousal benefits when you reach the required age.
It’s important to remember that the application process can be complex, especially if you’re divorced or widowed. You may want to consult a financial advisor or Social Security expert to help you navigate the best time to apply and maximize your benefits.
Conclusion
Social Security spousal benefits can be a crucial financial lifeline for many individuals, providing supplemental income based on a spouse’s earnings record. By understanding the eligibility requirements and the factors that affect the benefit amount, you can make informed decisions about when to claim your spousal benefits.
If you’re approaching retirement age, make sure to review your options and consult with a Social Security representative or financial advisor to determine the best strategy for claiming spousal benefits.
FAQs
1. Can I receive both my own Social Security benefits and spousal benefits?
Yes, but you can only receive the higher of the two benefits. The SSA will pay you whichever benefit is greater.
2. How early can I claim spousal benefits?
You can start claiming spousal benefits as early as age 62, but your benefit will be reduced if you start before your full retirement age.
3. What if I’m divorced – can I still receive spousal benefits?
Yes, as long as you were married for at least 10 years, you are not remarried, and your ex-spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits.
4. How do I apply for spousal benefits?
You can apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Make sure to have your spouse’s Social Security number and relevant documents.
5. How much will I receive in spousal benefits?
If you start claiming spousal benefits at full retirement age, you can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s Social Security benefit, depending on the amount they qualify for.