When can my spouse collect half of my Social Security?

Asked by: Waldo Wintheiser  |  Last update: August 19, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (10 votes)

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.

When can my wife start collecting half of my 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.

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

Social Security Program Rules

The wife of a retired worker is eligible for a spousal benefit of up to 50 percent of her husband's primary insurance amount ( PIA ), if claimed at her full retirement age ( FRA ).

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 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.

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

42 related questions found

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 a wife collect her own Social Security and then switch to spousal benefit?

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 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.

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 get 50% of my 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 maximum Social Security benefit at 67?

The maximum Social Security benefit for someone who retires at age 67 — which is considered the full retirement age for those born in 1960 or later — is $3,627 per month. What is the maximum Social Security amount at age 70? The maximum Social Security benefit for someone who retires at age 70 is $4,555 per month.

At what age can you earn unlimited income on Social Security?

Contact us if you're working (or plan to work) outside the country. How much can you earn and still get benefits? later, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 67. If you work, and are at full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

Can I get my spouses Social Security instead of mine?

As a spouse, you can claim a Social Security benefit based on your own earnings record, or collect a spousal benefit in the amount of 50% of your spouse's Social Security benefit, but not both. You are automatically entitled to receive whichever benefit provides you the higher monthly amount.

Should my wife take Social Security at 62?

Most people are eligible to start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. But if you wait until what the Social Security Administration calls your full retirement age (FRA), which is 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954, you'll get a larger monthly benefit, known as your primary insurance amount (PIA).

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.

What is the average Social Security income for a married couple?

How Much Do Married Couples Get On Average from Social Security Alone? As of 2022, the average monthly benefit amount from Social Security for couples was $2,739.10. That works out to about $32,868 in annual income. Of course, the income that you can expect to receive depends a lot on your circumstances.

Who benefits more from Social Security married or single?

Marriage has no impact on your Social Security retirement benefit, which is based on your work record and earnings history. You and your spouse, assuming he or she also qualifies for retirement benefits, each collect your own separate benefits, and the amounts do not limit or otherwise affect each other.

What is a good monthly retirement income?

But, generally speaking, most experts agree that you will need 70-80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living in retirement. For example, if you earned $50,000 per year ($4,167 a month) before retiring, you would need approximately $35,000-$40,000 per year in retirement.

What is a good monthly retirement income for a couple?

If you want a comfortable retirement, you should aim for a monthly income of at least 70% of your pre-retirement income. So, if you and your spouse currently bring in a combined monthly income of $5000, you would need to have a retirement income of at least $3500 per month. Of course, this is just a general guideline.