Social Security is often seen as a safety net for retirement, but did you know it also provides benefits for spouses? If you’re married, you may qualify for spousal benefits based on your partner’s Social Security record. Here are four key points every couple should understand about spousal Social Security benefits.
1. When Can You Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits?
You can only claim spousal benefits if your spouse is already receiving their Social Security benefits. However, your spouse doesn’t need to have reached their full retirement age—they need to be receiving either retirement or disability benefits.
Your age also plays a role. You must be at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits. However, there’s an exception: if you’re caring for a child under 16 or a child who is disabled and receiving benefits based on your spouse’s record, you can claim spousal benefits at any age.
2. How Much Can You Receive as a Spouse?
The amount of spousal benefits you’re eligible for depends on your spouse’s full retirement benefits. If you wait until your full retirement age, you can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit amount.
However, there’s a catch. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will compare your potential retirement benefits based on your work history with the spousal benefits available to you. You’ll receive whichever amount is higher.
Additionally, you must apply for your retirement benefits at the same time as your spousal benefits. This is called “deemed filing” and ensures you can’t stagger applications to maximize payouts.
If you decide to claim spousal benefits before reaching your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced. For instance, claiming 36 months early reduces benefits by 25/36 of 1% per month. Claiming even earlier reduces benefits further.
3. Is It Worth Delaying Spousal Benefits Beyond Full Retirement Age?
For those born in 1943 or later, delaying Social Security past the full retirement age can increase their retirement benefits by 8% per year until age 70. This can add up to a maximum of 24% more in benefits.
But spousal benefits don’t work the same way. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s full retirement amount, and delaying won’t increase that percentage. So, it doesn’t pay off to wait beyond your full retirement age to claim spousal benefits.
4. Can Divorced Spouses Receive Spousal Benefits?
Yes, you can claim spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s Social Security record, even if you’re divorced. To qualify, your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years. In some cases, valid non-marital legal relationships may also qualify for benefits.
Divorced spouses don’t need their ex-spouse’s permission to apply, nor does it impact the ex-spouse’s benefits. If you’ve remarried, however, you may no longer qualify for these benefits.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
