Can a non-working spouse collect Social Security?

Asked by: Dr. Jade Gleichner  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (54 votes)

Generally, you're eligible to receive Social Security benefits for a nonworking spouse if: you're at least 62 years old. you've been married for at least one year.

How much Social Security does a non working spouse get?

For a spouse who is not entitled to benefits on his or her own earnings record, this reduction factor is applied to the base spousal benefit, which is 50 percent of the worker's primary insurance amount.

Can a spouse collect Social Security if her husband is still working?

Yes, both spouses can still work while collecting Social Security benefits. However, there are earnings limits that may affect the amount of Social Security benefits received if income exceeds a certain threshold.

Can a stay at home wife collect Social Security?

Work History: If a stay-at-home mom has worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 40 quarters (about 10 years), she is eligible for her own Social Security benefits based on her earnings.

Can a wife draw on her husband's Social Security?

Your full spouse's benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is eligible to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse's benefits before you reach full retirement age, your payment will be permanently reduced.

Social Security: Spousal Benefits 101

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How much does a wife get of her husband's Social Security if he dies?

Surviving spouse, any age, with a child younger than age 16, gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount. Child gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount. There's a limit to the benefits we can pay to you and other family members each month. The limit varies between 150% and 180% of the deceased worker's benefit amount.

What is the loophole for Social Security spousal benefits?

The first exception, which can be deemed as the Social Security spousal benefits loophole, works where an individual who remarries at 60 or later may still be entitled to Social Security survivors' benefits if the second marriage ends before the death of the first spouse.

Does a spouse who never worked get Social Security?

A wife with no work record or low benefit entitlement on her own work record is eligible for between one-third and one-half of her spouse's Social Security benefit.

Can an unmarried spouse collect Social Security?

So, as long as the SSA recognizes your marriage (and you might not need a marriage license), if you stayed home and took care of the kids for a number of years (or even if you didn't have kids), you'll likely be entitled to collect Social Security benefits based on your spouse's earnings record.

What percentage of a husband's Social Security does a wife get?

The percentage of your spouse's full retirement benefit that you receive could be as little as 32.5% at age 62. It steps up gradually to 50% as you near your full retirement age, which is 65, 66, or 67, depending on your birth year. And don't bother delaying your spousal benefits past your full retirement age.

At what age do you get 100% of your Social Security?

For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.

What benefits will I lose if I get married?

If you get Social Security disability or retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. However, other benefits such as SSI, Survivors, Divorced Spouses, and Child's benefits may be affected.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

At what age can a non-working spouse collect Social Security?

Bottom Line. Social Security for non-working spouses allows them to claim up to half of their partner's full retirement benefit. They can start receiving benefits at 62, but waiting until full retirement age increases the amount.

Can a stay at home mom get Social Security?

Just because you don't bring home a paycheck doesn't mean you're not working. A stay-at-home parent can get a Social Security check just like any other worker.

Can my wife collect my Social Security while I'm alive?

Social Security covers both spouses, regardless of whether one or both brought home a paycheck over the years. A married person may collect benefits based on their own earnings or receive a maximum of 50% of their spouse's Social Security benefits, whichever is greater.

Can I get Social Security if I never worked?

Social Security is an earned benefit. To collect a monthly retirement benefit, a worker must pay into the system for at least 10 years (they need not be consecutive years). Tough rules in place assure that only workers who have met the 10-year qualification can collect retirement benefits.

Is it better to file separately if one spouse is on Social Security?

If you received Social Security or railroad retirement benefits and lived with your spouse at any time in the year, more of your benefits could be taxable with a separate tax return.

Is a common law wife entitled to Social Security?

Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize common law marriages. Both parties to a common law marriage are entitled to all of the same benefits as a couple in a traditional marriage.

Who is not eligible for spousal Social Security benefits?

For spouses to receive the benefit, they must be at least age 62 or care for a child under age 16 (or one receiving Social Security disability benefits). In addition, spouses cannot claim the spousal benefit until the worker files for their benefit.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband if they?

If the spouses divorced, the marriage must have lasted 10 years. Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security?

Although you need at least 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, we base the amount of your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings.

When can a wife collect half of her husband's Social Security?

A married spouse without an earnings record (or whose record would result in a lower Social Security payment) can collect on his or her spouse's earnings record when his or her spouse turns 62. Collecting Social Security at 62 has some advantages.

Is it better to collect Social Security at 62 or 67?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.