Can A Retired Senior Get A Spouses Social Security?

If you’re a retired senior, you might get Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s work. These benefits are key for many Americans’ retirement income.

If your own benefits are low or you don’t have enough credits, you could get benefits as a spouse. But, you must meet certain requirements to claim these benefits.

Key Takeaways

To receive spousal benefits, your spouse must be receiving Social Security benefits.

You must be at least 62 years old to be eligible for spousal benefits.
The maximum spousal benefit is up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement age benefit.
Spousal benefits may be reduced if claimed before full retirement age.

If you’re eligible for both your own retirement benefits and spousal benefits, you can receive the higher of the two.

Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Benefits

Understanding Social Security spousal benefits can seem tough, but knowing the rules is key. You need to be a certain age and have been married to qualify. Let’s look at what you need.

Age and Marital Status Criteria

To get spousal benefits, you must be 62 or older. Or, you can be any age if you take care of a child under 16 or with a disability. Your spouse must also be getting their retirement or disability benefits for you to get yours.

Work History and Social Security Credits

You don’t need a work history for spousal benefits, but your spouse must have enough Social Security credits. They need 40 credits, which is 10 years of work, to get benefits.

About 1.9 million people get an average monthly spousal benefit of $887. The highest spousal benefit is 50% of the spouse’s or ex-spouse’s full retirement benefit. But, if your spouse retires at 62, you get 32.5% of their full retirement benefit.

Eligibility Requirement	Details
Age	62 years or older, or any age if caring for a child under 16 or with a disability
Marital Status	Married to a spouse receiving retirement or disability benefits
Work History	Spouse must have earned sufficient Social Security credits (generally 40 credits or 10 years of work)
Earnings Limit	The yearly earnings limit for receiving spousal benefits is $22,320 in 2024

The rules for Social Security spouse benefits, Social Security spousal benefits qualifications, and retirement benefits for spouses are complex. Always talk to a financial advisor or the Social Security Administration to make sure you qualify.

Can A Retired Senior Get A Spouse’s Social Security?

If you’re ready for retirement and your spouse’s Social Security, you must apply for both. This is called “deemed filing.” When you apply for one, you’re also applying for the other. You’ll get a combined benefit that’s the higher of the two.

At 62, your spouse could get $578 a month from Social Security. This could go up to $821 by 67 and $1018 by 70. The age you start claiming can greatly affect your total benefits over time. Opensocialsecurity.com can help figure out the best time to claim your benefits.

How Spousal Benefits are Calculated

If you’re eligible for Social Security spouse benefits, the amount you can receive depends on a few key factors. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s full retirement age benefit. However, the exact amount you’ll get depends on when you decide to start receiving those benefits.

Impact of Early or Delayed Retirement

Spousal benefits can be collected as early as age 62, but they’ll be permanently reduced if you claim them before your full retirement age. For example, at age 62, the spousal benefit is only 35% of your spouse’s full benefit amount. The amount increases the longer you wait to claim, up to 50% if you wait until your full retirement age.

On the other hand, delaying your spousal benefit can also boost the payout. Each year you hold off on claiming, up to age 70, your monthly benefit will grow by 8%. This can significantly increase the total amount you receive over your lifetime.

It’s important to note that if your own retirement benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, you’ll receive your personal benefit rather than the spousal one. The Social Security Administration will automatically give you the higher of the two.

“Spousal benefits are calculated based on the other spouse’s potential benefits if they started collecting at full retirement age, which varies from 65 to 67 depending on birth year.”

In summary, Social Security spouse benefits can provide a valuable supplement to your retirement income. The amount you receive will depend on factors like your age, your spouse’s benefit, and whether you claim early or delay your benefits. Understanding how these calculations work can help you make the most informed decision for your financial future.

Applying for Spousal and Retirement Benefits

You can apply for retirement or your spouse’s benefit online through the Social Security Administration’s website. If you and your spouse have a personal my Social Security account, you can see an estimate of your benefits. This is based on your spouse’s record.

Online Application Process

To start, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old. The online application is easy and takes a few steps. Here’s what you’ll do:

Provide personal information, like your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Answer questions about your work history and income.
Submit documents to prove your identity and eligibility, such as a birth certificate or military discharge papers.

Review your application and fix any mistakes.
Submit your application and wait for the Social Security Administration’s decision.

You must apply for both your retirement and spousal benefits at the same time. This is because of the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act. It helps you get the maximum benefits you’re eligible for.

The online application is fast and easy, letting you apply from home. So, don’t delay – start your application now. Take the first step towards a secure financial future.

Special Considerations for Divorced Spouses

If you’re a divorced senior, you might get Social Security benefits from your ex’s work. The rules and how to apply are a bit different from for married couples. Knowing these details can help you get the most out of your retirement income.

Your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years before you got divorced. If it did, and you’re 62 or older, you can get benefits from your ex’s record, even if they’ve remarried. The amount you get is usually half of what your ex gets, but taking it early means you’ll get less.

Getting benefits as a divorced spouse won’t affect your ex’s or their new spouse’s benefits. So, you can get your share without hurting anyone else’s retirement. It’s good for everyone, if you qualify for Social Security benefits for divorced spouses.

If your ex has passed away, you might get survivor benefits from their record if you were married for at least 10 years. This could be a big help, especially for women. Studies show divorced women over 65 are more likely to live in poverty than those who are married or widowed.

To find out more about eligibility requirements for divorced spouse’s Social Security benefits and how to apply, check the Social Security Administration’s website or talk to a financial advisor. The rules are complex, but knowing your options can greatly improve your retirement security.

“Social Security benefits for divorced spouses can be a lifeline, particularly for women who may face higher poverty rates in their later years.”

Conclusion

If you’re a retired senior, you might get your spouse’s Social Security benefits if you’re 62 or older or if you care for a child. The spousal benefit amount depends on your spouse’s full retirement age benefit. Claiming it early can reduce the amount you get.

You can apply for these benefits online. Divorced spouses have special rules to follow. Knowing the rules and requirements for spousal benefits can help you get the most out of your retirement income.

Over the years, more female Social Security beneficiaries aged 62 or older are getting dually entitled widow benefits. Fewer are getting widow-only and spouse-only benefits.

Looking into your Social Security eligibility for spouse and retirement benefits for spouses is smart for a secure financial future. By knowing the requirements for spousal Social Security benefits, you can make sure you get the most from Social Security benefits for married couples. This way, you secure the spousal entitlement to Social Security you’ve worked for.

FAQ

Can a retired senior get a spouse’s Social Security?

Yes, retired seniors can claim their spouse’s Social Security if they meet certain requirements. These include being 62 or older or caring for a child.

What are the eligibility requirements for spousal benefits?

To get spousal benefits, you must be 62 or older, or any age if you care for a child under 16 or with a disability. Your spouse must also be getting retirement or disability benefits for you to qualify.

How are spousal benefits calculated?

Your spousal benefit could be half of what your spouse gets at full retirement age. If you take benefits early, they’ll be less. Waiting until full retirement age gets you the full amount.

How do I apply for spousal and retirement benefits?

Visit the Social Security Administration’s website if you’re 61 and 9 months old or older. You can apply for your retirement, your spouse’s benefit, or both. Use your personal my Social Security account to see what benefits you might get.

What special considerations are there for divorced spouses?

Divorced spouses who were married for at least 10 years might get benefits on their ex’s record. Check the Social Security Administration’s Family benefits page for more on eligibility and how to apply.