When thinking about Social Security retirement benefits, most people focus on their own work records. However, Social Security also offers spousal benefits to eligible individuals. Here’s how you can determine if you qualify for these benefits based on your spouse’s work record.
1. How Long Have You Been Married?
To qualify for spousal benefits, you must either be currently or formerly married. For current marriages, the union needs to have lasted at least one year. However, there are exceptions:
If you’re the parent of your spouse’s child, you don’t need to meet the one-year marriage requirement.
If you were entitled to certain benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Act before your marriage, the one-year rule may also not apply.
2. Is Your Spouse Receiving Social Security Benefits?
If your spouse isn’t yet receiving Social Security benefits, you won’t be eligible for spousal benefits. You’ll need to wait until your spouse claims their benefits before you can apply.
3. Are You at Least 62 Years Old?
Generally, you need to be at least 62 to claim spousal benefits. This is the earliest age at which you can start collecting Social Security retirement benefits.
However, there are exceptions:
If you’re caring for a child under 16 or a child of any age with a disability who qualifies for benefits under your spouse’s record, you may be eligible to claim spousal benefits even if you are younger than 62.
If you claim benefits before your full retirement age (FRA) (67 for those born in 1960 or later), your spousal benefits will be reduced. But if you’re caring for a qualifying child, the reduction won’t apply.
4. Is Your Own Benefit Lower Than the Spousal Benefit You Would Receive?
You can receive up to half of your spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which is based on their work record. If your own benefit is lower, Social Security will pay your benefit first, but you’ll receive the difference to match the higher spousal benefit.
Spousal Benefits for Divorced Individuals
If you’re divorced, you can still claim spousal benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, but there are some important conditions:
You must have been married for at least 10 years.
You must have been divorced for at least two years and cannot be remarried when you apply.
You must be at least 62, unless you’re caring for a child under 16 or a child with a disability.
Unlike married spouses, a divorced spouse doesn’t have to wait for their ex to begin receiving benefits. They just need to be eligible for retirement benefits themselves (at least 62 years old).
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