How to know if you are eligible for spousal Social Security benefits: Everything you need to know
There are groups of people who can claim Social Security benefits on another person’s work record, among them spouses, even ones that are divorced.
The Social Security Administration sends out over 75 million monthly payments to beneficiaries. The vast majority of these are to retired workers who have contributed to the program through their Social Security taxes.
But, there are groups of people who can claim Social Security benefits on another person’s work record, among them spouses, even ones that are divorced. However, the rules around who is eligible can be confusing. Follow along as we give you the lowdown on spousal Social Security benefits.
Who is eligible for spousal Social Security benefits?
In general, you can claim spousal Social Security benefits if you have been married for at least one year to someone who is already receiving their own retirement benefits. However, typically you must be at least 62 years old, but claiming too soon or past full retirement age could cost you thousands of dollars.
An exception to this age limit is for those people caring for a child under the age of 16, or a child receiving Social Security disability benefits, who may also be eligible at any age.
Can divorcees claim spousal benefits?
Divorce rules for spousal benefits are more complex.
Divorcees can collect payments based on their ex-partner’s work history if they were married for at least 10 years. If the ex-partner has not started collecting benefits, the divorce must have been finalized at least two years before spousal benefits can be paid.
If a divorcee remarries, they no longer receive benefits tied to their former spouse. However, they may qualify for payments based on their new partner’s work history.
How much do spouses receive?
The amount a spouse receives depends on their partner’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which is used in the calculation for Social Security benefits. The benefit the partner is entitled to claim depends on the what the spouse receives when they claim or would be eligible for at full retirement age (FRA) if they claim later.
For those born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67. For those born earlier, it is 66 plus a few months, depending on the birth year.
Generally, spouses can receive up to half of their partner’s PIA if they claim once they have reached full retirement age. But the amount reduces the younger you claim spousal benefits, except in the case that you are caring for a child under the age of 16, or a child receiving Social Security disability benefits.
How old do you have to be to claim spousal benefits?
You can start claiming spousal benefits at age 62. At that age, the benefit is 32.5% of your partner’s PIA. Waiting until later increases the amount you will receive.
What happens if you qualify for both retired worker and spousal benefits?
If you qualify for both your own retirement benefits and spousal benefits, you only need to file once. You will receive the higher of the two amounts.
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