Many people are unaware that they can receive Social Security benefits based on their spouse’s (or even ex-spouse’s) work history. These benefits are calculated based on the work records of both partners, and in some cases, even of an ex-spouse.
If you’re curious about whether you qualify for spousal benefits, here are four key questions to ask yourself.
1. Duration of Marriage
To qualify for spousal benefits, your marriage must have lasted at least one year. However, there are exceptions to this rule:
If you and your spouse have children together, this requirement may not apply.
If either partner was already entitled to benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Act before marriage, they might still qualify.
2. Spouse’s Eligibility
For you to qualify for spousal benefits, your spouse must already be receiving Social Security benefits. This is where divorced couples come into play. In these cases, the rule is different:
If you’re divorced, you can still apply for benefits from your ex-spouse as long as they are at least 62 years old and meet the requirements to receive Social Security.
3. Age Requirements
The standard requirement for spousal benefits is that you must be at least 62 years old. But, there are exceptions:
If you are caring for a child under 16, or any child of any age with a disability, who is receiving Disability Insurance under your spouse’s record, you can apply before reaching 62, without facing penalties.
Additionally, the full retirement age is 67 years for those born in 1960 or later, but certain conditions (such as caring for a disabled child) can allow you to receive benefits earlier.
4. Own Social Security Benefits
When applying for spousal benefits, the amount you will receive depends on both your own benefits and your spouse’s. Here’s how it works:
First, Social Security will calculate your individual benefit.
If your spousal benefit is higher than your individual benefit, you will receive a supplement to bring your total to the higher value.
Other Key Considerations
In addition to the four key questions, there are a few more factors to consider when applying for spousal benefits:
Benefit Amount: The spousal benefit could be as much as 50% of your spouse’s benefit, depending on when you start receiving benefits.
Divorced Couples: If you’re divorced, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, and you must have been divorced for at least 2 years to be eligible for benefits.
Non-Marital Unions: Some legal non-marital unions are also valid for spousal benefits, as long as they meet the requirements set by Social Security.
Are You Eligible for Spousal Benefits?
If you’re wondering whether you qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, the answer depends on factors such as the duration of your marriage, whether your spouse is receiving Social Security, your age, and whether your own benefit is less than the spousal benefit.
By understanding these key factors, you can determine if you’re eligible and how much you might be able to receive from Social Security.
