Can you collect 1/2 of spouse’s Social Security and then your full amount?

Can you collect 1/2 of spouse’s Social Security and then your full amount?

When someone dies, their Social Security benefits may become available to their current or former spouse, depending on certain circumstances. But even if there's no death, you can collect a Social Security spousal benefit equal to half of what your spouse gets, if that's higher than what you'd get on your own.

Do spousal benefits reduce my benefits?

Benefits paid to you as a spouse will not decrease your spouse's retirement benefit. In fact, the value of the benefits you may receive, added to their benefits, may help your spouse decide if taking benefits sooner may be more advantageous.

At what age can I collect half of my husband’s Social Security?

Even if you have never worked under Social Security, you may be able to get spouse's retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years of age and your spouse is receiving retirement or disability benefits. You can also qualify for Medicare at age 65.

How do I apply for spousal SS benefits?

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.

How does Social Security spousal benefits work?

Social Security spousal benefits are partial retirement or disability benefits granted to the spouses of qualifying taxpayers. The calculation for spousal benefits is based on the retirement age of both beneficiary and spouse, and income earned during one's working life.

When can my spouse collect half of my Social Security?

Even if you have never worked under Social Security, you may be able to get spouse's retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years of age and your spouse is receiving retirement or disability benefits. You can also qualify for Medicare at age 65.

What documents do I need to apply for spousal Social Security?

Birth certificate or other proof of birth; Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States [More Info]; U.S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968; W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year.

Can I take my social security and then switch to spousal benefit?

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. … When you apply for your retirement benefit, you're also automatically deemed to be applying for spousal benefits, if you're entitled to them.

When can I claim spousal benefits?

You may claim Social Security spousal benefits as early as age 62, but the amount of your benefit is permanently reduced according to the number of months left until you reach full retirement age.

Can I file for my Social Security at 62 and switch to spousal benefits later?

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. Social Security will not pay the sum of your retirement and spousal benefits; you'll get a payment equal to the higher of the two benefits.

Can I collect half of my husband’s Social Security at 62?

If you did not work enough in your life to qualify for Social Security benefits on your own, you could get one half of your spouse's full retirement benefit once you reach full retirement age, and you will qualify for your spouse's Medicare at age 65. … At age 62, you'd get 35% of your spouse's full benefit.

Can I collect spousal benefits and still work?

Your spousal or survivor benefits may be reduced, however, if you are under full retirement age and continue to work. … For retirement and spousal benefits, full retirement age will reach 67 for people born in 1960 and after.

Can both spouses collect Social Security at the same time?

No. 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.

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

When a retired worker dies, the surviving spouse gets an amount equal to the worker's full retirement benefit. Example: John Smith has a $1,200-a-month retirement benefit. His wife Jane gets $600 as a 50 percent spousal benefit. Total family income from Social Security is $1,800 a month.

How is the spousal benefit calculated?

Spousal benefits are calculated using both your Primary Insurance Amounts and your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount. … To determine if you are entitled to a spousal benefit, if your own Primary Insurance Amount is greater than 50% of your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount, you are not entitled to a spousal benefit.

When should a married couple get Social Security?

If you or your spouse (or even both of you!) can wait until you're 70, you'll receive your highest Social Security payments—up to 132% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) if your full retirement age (FRA) is 66, and 124% of your PIA if your FRA is 67.