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

Asked by: Dr. Julia Sanford IV  |  Last update: April 10, 2024
Score: 4.1/5 (68 votes)

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 loophole for Social Security spousal benefits?

There used to be a “file and suspend” loophole meant to help married couples maximize their Social Security benefits. However, after Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act in 2015, this loophole no longer applies.

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

You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But, if you're younger than full retirement age, and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced. The amount that your benefits are reduced, however, isn't lost.

Does my wife get half of 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.

What happens if my wife takes Social Security at 62?

If she claims early, at age 62, her benefits would be reduced by 25% to $750 a month. If she claims her benefits at her full retirement age (FRA) of 66, she'll be due $1,000 a month. If she waits until age 70 to claim, that number would rise 32% to $1,320 a month (in real, inflation-adjusted terms).

Social Security Spousal Benefits - MADE EASY to Understand

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At what age can a wife draw off her husband's Social Security?

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

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

You can collect spousal benefits as early as age 62, but in most cases, the benefits are reduced permanently if you start collecting early. If your own work history earns a higher benefit, you'll receive that amount rather than the spousal benefit.

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

Whether you can make this switch is determined by whether your spouse is already receiving benefits. 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.

Do second wives get Social Security benefits?

If you re-married and your second spouse is deceased, you qualify to claim benefits from either your first spouse if that marriage lasted at least 10 years, or your second spouse if you were married at least 9 months before they died.

When my husband dies do I get his Social Security and mine?

In many cases, a surviving spouse can begin receiving 1 benefit at a reduced rate and allow the other benefit amount to increase. If you will also receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security, such as government or foreign work, your Social Security benefits as a survivor may be affected.

Can you collect Social Security from two husbands?

Yes, you can. Notify the Social Security Administration that you were married more than once and may qualify for benefits on more than one spouse's earnings record. They will be able to tell you which record provides the higher payment and set your benefit accordingly.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Beneficiaries are currently searching for information on How Do I Receive the $16728 Social Security Bonus? Retirees can't actually receive any kind of “bonus.” Your lifetime earnings are the basis for a calculation that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to calculate how much benefits you will receive.

What is the best Social Security strategy for married couples?

Social Security tips for couples
  • A couple with similar incomes and ages and long life expectancies may want to consider maximizing lifetime benefits by both delaying their claim.
  • For couples with big differences in earnings, consider claiming the spousal benefit, which may be better than claiming your own.

When can my wife get 50% of my 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 Social Security 5 year rule?

No waiting period is required if you were previously entitled to disability benefits or to a period of disability under § 404.320 any time within 5 years of the month you again became disabled.

What are the rules for spousal benefits?

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). In addition, spouses cannot claim the spousal benefit until the worker files for their benefit.

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

What Happens If I Remarry? Generally, you cannot collect benefits on your ex-spouse's work record unless your second marriage ends by annulment, divorce, or death. Your SSI benefits payments may change based on your new spouse's record.

Can I stop my ex wife from getting my Social Security?

This is good news when former spouses are not on good terms. Your ex cannot “block” you from drawing your spousal benefit. In fact, he probably won't even know if you are drawing off him unless he calls SSA to ask.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security?

If you've worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more, you'll get a monthly benefit based on that work.

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).

Can I switch my Social Security benefit to a 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.

What percent of Social Security does a divorced spouse get?

A divorced spouse can receive up to 50% of an ex-spouse's Social Security benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the divorced spouse is divorced at least two years, unmarried and at least 62. The benefit doesn't increase existing payments or reduce the ex-spouse's benefits.

What is the highest Social Security payment?

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $3,822. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $2,710. If you retire at age 70 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $4,873.

What is the loophole for Social Security spousal benefits?

There used to be a “file and suspend” loophole meant to help married couples maximize their Social Security benefits. However, after Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act in 2015, this loophole no longer applies.