What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
Social Security spousal benefits are a way for married couples to receive additional retirement income. This guide explains everything you need to know about these benefits.
Summary
Social Security benefits are an important part of retirement income for millions of Americans. But did you know that as a married person, you may be entitled to additional benefits based on your spouse’s earnings? These benefits are known as Social Security spousal benefits.
As a married person, you may be entitled to additional benefits based on your spouse’s earnings. In general, spousal benefits of up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit.
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In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Social Security spousal benefits are, how they work, and who is eligible to receive them. We’ll also answer some common questions about these benefits to help you make the most of your retirement income.
What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits?
Social Security spousal benefits are additional retirement benefits that a married person can receive based on their spouse’s earnings history. If you are married and you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, you may be entitled to spousal benefits based on your spouse’s earnings.
The amount of spousal benefits you can receive depends on several factors, including your spouse’s earnings history, your age, and whether you have reached full retirement age. In general, spousal benefits can amount to up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit.
How Do Social Security Spousal Benefits Work?
To receive spousal benefits, you must first apply for Social Security retirement benefits based on your own earnings history. If your spouse has a higher earnings history, you may be eligible for spousal benefits that are higher than your own retirement benefit.
When you apply for spousal benefits, the Social Security Administration will compare the amount you would receive based on your own earnings history to the amount you would receive based on your spouse’s earnings history. You will receive the higher of the two amounts.
If you apply for spousal benefits before reaching full retirement age, your benefit amount will be reduced. However, if you wait until after your full retirement age to apply, you may be eligible for delayed retirement credits that can increase your benefit amount.
Who Is Eligible for Social Security Spousal Benefits?
- To be eligible for spousal benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be at least 62 years old.
- You must be married to your spouse for at least one year.
- Your spouse must be receiving or eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
- Your own retirement benefit must be less than half of your spouse’s retirement benefit.
- If you are divorced, you may still be eligible for spousal benefits if your marriage lasted for at least 10 years and you meet the other eligibility requirements.
FAQs:
Can I receive spousal benefits if I have never worked?
Yes, you can receive spousal benefits even if you have never worked, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
How do I apply for social security spousal benefits?
The easiest way to apply for spousal Social Security benefits is through your “My Social Security” account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/1. If you don’t have an account, you can create one and apply from there. To apply online, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old. You can also apply by calling the national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office2.
What documents do I need to apply?
The Social Security Administration may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible for spousal benefits. These documents may include your birth certificate or other proof of birth, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States, U.S. military discharge papers if you had military service before 1968, W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns for last year1.
If you are applying as a divorced spouse, you will need to provide your final divorce decree1. If you are applying as a married spouse, you will need to provide your marriage certificate1.
What happens if I don’t have all the documents?
If you don’t have all the documents you need, don’t delay applying for Social Security benefits. In many cases, your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information online at no cost to you1. Even if you don’t have everything, you can provide the missing documents later2.
What is the maximum amount of spousal benefits I can receive?
The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the other spouse’s full retirement age benefit1. For example, if your spouse’s full retirement age benefit is $3,808 per month in 2023, then your maximum spousal benefit would be 50% of that amount, or $1,904 per month2.
However, if you choose to retire as early as age 62 and start collecting spousal benefits before reaching your full retirement age (FRA), your benefits may be reduced permanently13.
How long do you have to be married to qualify
Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse’s benefits. However, if you are the parent of your spouse’s child, the one-year rule does not apply. The same is true if you were entitled (or potentially entitled) to certain benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Act in the month before the month you got married. A divorced spouse must have been married 10 years to get spouse’s benefits.
See Retirement Benefits: Benefits For Your Spouse for more information.
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Conclusion:
Social Security spousal benefits are an important source of retirement income for many married couples. If you are eligible for these benefits, it’s important to understand how they work and how they can help you maximize your retirement income. By applying for spousal benefits at the right time and understanding the eligibility requirements, you can ensure that you receive the maximum benefit amount possible.
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Edwin De Jesus
March 1, 2023 @ 2:43 pm
Maximum Benefit for a Disabled-Worker Family
Benefits are payable to spouses and children of disabled workers, but such benefits are limited. The family maximum for a family of a disabled worker is 85 percent of the worker’s Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). However, it cannot be less than the worker’s PIA nor more than 150 percent of the PIA.