Can I collect my own Social Security and my husbands?

Asked by: Ramiro Tremblay  |  Last update: December 22, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (56 votes)

Yes. If you qualify for your own retirement and spouse's benefits, we will always pay your own benefits first. If your benefit amount as a spouse is higher than your own retirement benefit, you will get a combination of the two benefits that equals the higher amount.

What is the best Social Security strategy for married couples?

The longer the spouse with the higher benefit waits to start collecting, the higher benefits will be for both spouses. Delaying the higher earning spouse's benefits could also eventually increase the other spouse's survivors benefits.

When a husband dies does the wife get his Social Security and hers?

If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.

What is the spousal benefit rule for Social Security?

If you're receiving Social Security payments in retirement, your spouse (or former spouse) may qualify to receive up to 50% of the amount of your benefits. These payments don't reduce the value of your Social Security benefits in any way.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit for a married couple?

The maximum monthly Social Security benefits a person can get in 2023 is $4,555 if they wait until age 70 to claim their benefits. The maximum amount of benefits a married couple can receive would be $9,110 if both of them are separately able to claim the maximum amount of $4,555.

Social Security Spousal Benefits - MADE EASY to Understand

43 related questions found

Can my wife claim 1 2 of my Social Security?

If you're getting Social Security retirement benefits, some members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. If they qualify, your ex-spouse, spouse, or child may receive a monthly payment of up to one-half of your retirement benefit amount.

Can my wife collect 1 2 of my Social Security?

If you are required to file for both, you generally receive the higher benefit amount. 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.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

Can my wife take Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?

Only if your spouse is not yet receiving retirement benefits. In this case, you can claim your own Social Security beginning at 62 and make the switch to spousal benefits when your husband or wife files.

Does your spouse get 50% of your Social Security?

Key Takeaways. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the other spouse's full benefit. You may be eligible if you're married, formerly married, divorced, or widowed. You can collect spousal benefits as early as age 62, but in most cases, the benefits are reduced permanently if you start collecting early.

Can I collect Social Security on 2 husbands?

Yes, you can. Notify the Social Security Administration that you were married more than once and may qualify for benefits on more than one spouse's earnings record.

What is the Social Security loophole?

The Restricted Application Loophole

One Social Security loophole allowed married individuals to begin receiving a spousal benefit at full retirement age, while letting their own retirement benefit grow.

Can I collect spousal benefits and wait until I am 70 to collect my own Social Security?

You can collect spousal benefits and wait until 70 to claim your retirement benefit if both of the following are true: You were born before Jan. 2, 1954. Your spouse is collecting his or her own Social Security retirement benefit.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule?

The Five-Year Rule is important to consider when saving for retirement. If you anticipate needing Social Security in the future, you must have five years of covered earnings to maximize the amount of money you receive.

What is the 10 year marriage rule for Social Security?

Key Takeaways. A divorced spouse may be eligible to collect Social Security benefits based on the former spouse's work record. The marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years and the divorced spouse must be at least 62 years old.

Can a couple survive on Social Security?

21% of married couples and 45% of single persons rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income. And, 50% of married couples and 70% of unmarried persons receive 50% or more of their income from Social Security.

How does Social Security work when both spouses retire?

Each spouse can claim their own retirement benefit based solely on their individual earnings history. You can both collect your full amounts at the same time. However, your spouse's earnings could affect the overall amount you get from Social Security, if you receive spousal benefits.

Which spouse should take Social Security first?

If you need to decide which spouse will start collecting Social Security first, or if one spouse should wait a few years, it generally makes sense to use a "split strategy," which means that the higher-earning spouse waits to claim benefits.

Will I get full benefits at 62 if I retire at 67?

Under current law, retirees get 70 percent of their full benefit if they claim at 62, 100 percent if they claim at 67, and 124 percent if they claim at 70 (with a sliding scale for every month between those ages).

Does money in the bank affect Social Security retirement benefits?

Social Security does not count pension payments, annuities, or the interest or dividends from your savings and investments as earnings. They do not lower your Social Security retirement benefits.

How much money can you have in the bank on Social Security retirement?

SSI eligibility guidelines stand in stark contrast to those of the SSDI program as far as having money in the bank or owning other assets. SSA limits the value of resources you own to no more than $2,000. The resource limit for a couple is only slightly more at $3,000.

What is the average Social Security check?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 as of February.

Can I collect my husband's Social Security instead of mine?

You qualify for spousal benefits if: Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits. You have been married for at least a year. You are at least 62 years old (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, in which case the age rule does not apply).

When can I draw half of my husband's Social Security?

If you are receiving retirement or disability benefits, your spouse may be eligible for spouse benefits if they are: At least age 62. Any age and caring for a child who is under age 16 or who has a disability that began before age 22.

Does a married couple receive 2 Social Security checks?

Both spouses in a married couple can get full Social Security benefits, at the same time. Married couples get two separate Social Security checks, and there is no "marriage penalty" for Social Security benefits.