When Can A Spouse Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits?
Key Takeaway:
- Eligibility criteria for spousal social security benefits include meeting age and length of marriage requirements, as well as current marital status.
- The benefit amounts for spousal social security benefits can be calculated and may be subject to reductions.
- When applying for spousal social security benefits, spouses must consider their options and provide required documents, with a timeline for receiving benefits. They should also be aware of how such benefits may impact their own retirement benefits and consider strategies to maximize them.
Are you wondering when you can start claiming Spousal Social Security Benefits? This article covers the age requirements and other important criteria you need to keep in mind to secure your benefits. Read on to get all the information you need.
Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Social Security Benefits
Spousal Social Security Benefits Eligibility
To claim Spousal Social Security Benefits, certain conditions must be met. The eligibility criteria depend on the age and earning history of the working spouse, the duration of the marriage, and the claimant’s age.
Meeting the Criteria for Spousal Social Security Benefits
To become eligible for Spousal Social Security Benefits, the working spouse must have earned 40 credits. The claimant must be at least 62 years old and married to the working spouse for a minimum of one year. If the marriage ended in death, the claimant must have been married for at least nine months. The claimant cannot earn social security benefits higher than their working spouse’s benefits.
Income Limits for Spousal Social Security Benefits
The income of the claimant is evaluated in deciding the amount of Spousal Social Security Benefits they are eligible for. If the claimant’s personal earnings reach a certain limit, which is higher than $18,960 in 2021, their benefits may be reduced. Additionally, if the claimant also qualifies for their own social security benefits, they will receive their benefits first.
A True Fact about Spousal Social Security Benefits
As per the Social Security Administration, about 34% of recipients collecting social security benefits in the United States are dependents of workers who became eligible for benefits due to having children or spouses who were unable to work.
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Benefit Amounts for Spousal Social Security Benefits
Benefit Amounts for Spousal Social Security Benefits:
As per Social Security Administration, a spouse can receive up to 50% of their partner’s retirement benefit once they reach full retirement age. The benefit amount may vary depending on the timing of claiming, the difference between the two spouse’s benefit amounts, and other eligibility criteria.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Age to claim | 62 years |
| Full retirement age | 66-67 years |
| Benefit amount | Up to 50% of partner’s retirement benefit |
| Reduction in benefit | Up to 30% reduction if claimed early |
| Earning limitations | Up to $18,960 earnings limit for 2021 |
It is important to note that spousal benefits do not affect the partner’s benefit amount. Moreover, if an individual is eligible for both their own benefit and a spousal benefit, SSA will pay out the higher of the two.
If a spouse is eligible for spousal benefits, they can claim it at full retirement age or later, to receive the full spousal benefit amount. However, claiming before the full retirement age can result in a reduction of benefits.
Don’t miss out on claiming spousal social security benefits. Check the eligibility criteria and claim your rightful benefits today!
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Applying for Spousal Social Security Benefits
Spousal Social Security Benefits: How to Apply
Spousal Social Security Benefits are available for the spouses of retired or disabled workers. Here are three important points to consider when applying for these benefits:
- Eligibility: Spouses are eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years old, currently married to a worker who is eligible for Social Security, and have been married for at least one year.
- Benefit amount: Generally, spouses can receive up to 50% of their partner’s full retirement benefit amount. However, if the spouse begins to receive benefits before their full retirement age, the benefit amount may be reduced.
- Application process: Spousal Social Security Benefits can be applied for online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Applicants will need to provide personal identification, information about their spouse’s work history and benefits, and other supporting documentation.
It’s important to note that if a spouse is eligible for their own Social Security benefits, they will receive either their own benefit or the spousal benefit, whichever amount is higher.
A lesser-known fact is that divorced spouses may also be eligible for spousal benefits if they were married to a worker for at least 10 years and are currently unmarried. (Source: Social Security Administration)
Overall, applying for spousal Social Security benefits can be a valuable option for spouses who meet the eligibility criteria.
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Impact on Own Retirement Benefits
When a spouse claims for social security benefits, this may impact their own retirement benefits. The amount of spousal benefits received can reduce the claiming spouse’s retirement benefits, based on factors such as the individual’s age and the amount of their own benefits. This can be a significant financial decision for couples to make, as they will need to weigh the benefits of claiming spousal benefits against the potential reduction of their own social security benefits.
In addition to this, it’s important to consider the impact of claiming spousal benefits on survivor benefits. If a spouse passes away, the surviving spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits that are equal to or greater than their own retirement benefits. However, if the claiming spouse had been receiving reduced retirement benefits due to claiming spousal benefits, this could result in lower survivor benefits for the surviving spouse.
As such, it’s advisable to consider carefully whether to claim spousal benefits and when to claim them. For instance, it may make sense to wait until the claiming spouse has reached their full retirement age to claim spousal benefits, as this can result in a higher benefit amount. Additionally, if the claiming spouse has other sources of retirement income, such as a pension, this may make it easier to delay claiming spousal benefits and wait until a later age when they can receive a higher benefit amount.
Overall, it’s important for couples to consider their specific financial circumstances and future plans when making decisions about social security benefits, including spousal benefits. Planning ahead and weighing the potential costs and benefits can help ensure that couples receive the maximum social security benefits available to them.
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Some Facts About When Can a Spouse Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits:
- ✅ A spouse can claim spousal social security benefits if they are at least 62 years old and their spouse is already receiving retirement or disability benefits. (Source: Social Security Administration)
- ✅ A spouse can receive up to 50% of their partner’s social security benefit amount. (Source: AARP)
- ✅ The spousal benefit amount may be reduced if the spouse claiming the benefit begins receiving it before their full retirement age. (Source: Forbes)
- ✅ In order to claim spousal benefits, the couple must have been married for at least one year. (Source: Social Security Administration)
- ✅ If the spouse has their own social security benefit but it is less than the spousal benefit, they may be eligible to receive the difference as a spousal benefit. (Source: Social Security Administration)
FAQs about When Can A Spouse Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits?
When can a spouse claim spousal social security benefits?
A spouse can claim spousal social security benefits if he or she is at least 62 years old and the other spouse has started receiving social security benefits.
Are there any other requirements for a spouse to claim spousal social security benefits?
Yes, in addition to being at least 62 years old, the spouse must be married to the other spouse for at least one year and must not have remarried since the divorce or death of the previous spouse.
How much can a spouse receive in spousal social security benefits?
The amount a spouse can receive in spousal social security benefits is up to 50% of the amount the other spouse is receiving in social security benefits, but the amount may be reduced if the spouse starts receiving benefits before reaching full retirement age.
Can a spouse still work and receive spousal social security benefits?
Yes, a spouse can still work and receive spousal social security benefits, but if the spouse earns more than a certain amount, the benefits may be reduced.
What happens if the other spouse dies before the spouse can claim spousal social security benefits?
If the other spouse dies before the spouse can claim spousal social security benefits, the surviving spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits, which are similar to spousal benefits but may be higher.
What is the process for a spouse to claim spousal social security benefits?
The process for a spouse to claim spousal social security benefits involves applying online, by phone, or in person, providing documentation of age, marital status, and other information, and waiting for approval.
