Can I take half my spouse's Social Security and let mine grow?

Asked by: Oran D'Amore  |  Last update: September 23, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (74 votes)

You could collect the survivor benefits from your deceased spouse or deceased ex-spouse's record. You might choose to let your own benefit grow until age 70. At that time, if your personal benefit is higher than the survivor benefit, you can change to receive your own benefits.

Can I take half of my husbands Social Security if it is more than mine?

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.

Can I collect my husband's Social Security then switch to mine?

If your spouse is already getting Social Security when you claim benefits, you are subject to the “deemed filing” rule. Under this provision, you don't have a choice whether to wait and switch.

What is the Social Security spousal benefits 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.

At what age can you take half of your spouse's Social Security?

Another requirement is that the spouse must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in her/his care. By a qualifying child, we mean a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.

How do I get half my spouse's Social Security benefit?

36 related questions found

How does my wife apply for half of my Social Security?

Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.

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.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security?

The Social Security disability five-year rule allows people to skip a required waiting period for receiving disability benefits if they had previously received disability benefits, stopped collecting those benefits and then became unable to work again within five years.

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.

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

If your spouse is not receiving any retirement benefits yet, then you could technically take your regular Social Security benefit as early as age 62. When your spouse files for their benefit later you could switch to spousal benefits.

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.

How do I switch from my husband's Social Security to my own?

You can file the application with a Social Security representative, either by telephone at 800-772-1213 or at your local Social Security office.

Why can't I get half of my husband's Social Security?

If you qualify for your own retirement benefit and a spouse's benefit, we always pay your own benefit first. You cannot receive spouse's benefits unless your spouse is receiving his or her retirement benefits (except for divorced spouses).

What is the maximum Social Security benefit for a married couple in 2023?

The maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit for a married couple in 2023 is $9,110 if each spouse waits until age 70 to receive benefits and paid the maximum Social Security tax over 35 years of earnings. Typically, the couple must be married at least a year.

What are the changes to Social Security in 2023?

Rampant inflation produced an 8.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries in 2023, the biggest percentage jump since 1981. That translates into a $146 boost in the average monthly retirement benefit, from $1,681 to $1,827. Join our fight to protect Social Security.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

What is the Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook?

The $18,984 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook: If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings.

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.

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.

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.

Can you collect both your and your spouse's Social Security?

You are eligible for benefits both as a retired worker and as a spouse (or divorced spouse) in the first month you want your benefits to begin and. You are not yet full retirement age, you must apply for both benefits (known as deemed filing). You will receive the higher of the two benefits.

Can my wife and I each collect your own Social Security?

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.

Will I lose my ex husband's Social Security if I remarry?

If you began drawing such ex-spousal benefits when you were single but then remarry, those payments will be terminated (except as noted below).