At what age can a wife take half of her husband's Social Security?

Asked by: Myrl Murray  |  Last update: July 30, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (18 votes)

In addition, to be eligible for spouse's benefits, you must be one of the following: 62 years of age or older. Any age if you have a child who is younger than 16 in your care or has a disability and is entitled to benefits on your spouse's record.

When can I collect 50% of my spouses' Social Security?

The percentage of your spouse's full retirement benefit that you receive could be as little as 32.5% at age 62. It steps up gradually to 50% as you near your full retirement age, which is 65, 66, or 67, depending on your birth year. 2 And don't bother delaying your spousal benefits past your full retirement age.

How does my wife get half my Social Security?

The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.

Can a wife collect her husband's Social Security while he is alive?

When a worker files for benefits from Social Security, the worker's spouse may be able to claim a benefit based on the worker's contributions. For spouses to receive the benefit, they must be at least age 62 or care for a child under age 16 (or one receiving Social Security disability benefits).

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

Yes, she can switch to spousal when you retire and it may even happen automatically. But if she starts collecting before her full retirement age (67) her benefits will be reduced and that reduction will also apply to her spousal benefits.

Social Security at 62 & Take Spousal Benefit Later

43 related questions found

Can I collect half of my husband's Social Security when I turn 62?

In addition, to be eligible for spouse's benefits, you must be one of the following: 62 years of age or older. Any age if you have a child who is younger than 16 in your care or has a disability and is entitled to benefits on your spouse's record.

How much does a wife get of her husband's Social Security if he dies?

Spouses and ex-spouses

Payments start at 71.5% of your spouse's benefit and increase the longer you wait to apply. For example, you might get: Over 75% at age 61.

What percentage of a husband's Social Security does a wife get?

The maximum Social Security spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's or ex-spouse's benefit at full retirement age (FRA). There is no increase to spousal benefits beyond FRA. 3 Retiring early, though, reduces spousal benefits.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security?

If you become disabled before your full retirement age, you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years.

Can a second wife collect Social Security from her husband?

If you have since remarried, you can't collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you're entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse's work.

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

If you've reached your full retirement age, you can receive 100% of your spouse's disability benefits. If you're between 50 and 59 and you also have a disability, you can receive 71.5% percent of your spouse's benefits.

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

You can start collecting benefits if your ex-spouse is 62 or older and you have been divorced for two or more years.

How can my wife get half of my Social Security?

Once you turn 62, you typically qualify for a spouse's Social Security benefit. The spouse's Social Security benefit amount is up to one-half the amount that the wage-earning spouse is eligible to receive at full retirement age.

What is the loophole for Social Security spousal benefits?

The first exception, which can be deemed as the Social Security spousal benefits loophole, works where an individual who remarries at 60 or later may still be entitled to Social Security survivors' benefits if the second marriage ends before the death of the first spouse.

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

To qualify to get $144 added back to your Social Security check, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part B premium reduction or giveback benefit.

What is the Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook?

The $22,924 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.

What is a widow entitled to when her husband dies?

If your spouse built up entitlement to the State Second Pension between 2002 and 2016, you are entitled to inherit 50% of this amount; PLUS. If your spouse built up entitlement to Graduated Retirement Benefit between 1961 and 1975, you are entitled to inherit 50% of this amount.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

Do I get my ex-husband's Social Security if he dies?

you're eligible for some of your ex's Social Security

wives and widows. That means most divorced women collect their own Social Security while the ex is alive, but can apply for higher widow's rates when he dies.

When can a wife draw off her 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.

What is the first thing you should do when your husband dies?

Here's a checklist of 10 things you need to do when your spouse dies:
  • Get legal, tax and financial advice. ...
  • Make funeral arrangements. ...
  • Apply for government benefits. ...
  • Contact your spouse's past and recent employers. ...
  • File life insurance claims. ...
  • Call your bank or other financial institutions.

Can my wife collect my Social Security while I'm alive?

Yes, you can collect Social Security's on a spouse's earnings record.