Can I collect Social Security spouse's benefits and my own retirement benefits?

Asked by: Jeanie Gleichner  |  Last update: April 15, 2024
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

If you're eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit.

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.

What is the dual entitlement rule for Social Security?

A person may be entitled to more than one benefit at the same time. For example, a person may be entitled as a retired worker on their own record and as a spouse on another record. However, a person's benefit amount can never exceed the highest single benefit to which that person is entitled.

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.

At what age can a wife take half of her husband's 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.

Social Security Spousal Benefits - MADE EASY to Understand

23 related questions found

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.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

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.

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.

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 is the 50% rule for Social Security?

What Is the Maximum Spousal Social Security Benefit? The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the amount that the spouse is eligible to receive at full retirement age. 2 That's a cap, by the way. If your spouse delays retiring until 70, the spouse gets more, but you don't.

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.

Can both spouses collect Social Security if they both worked?

If you are married and you and your spouse have worked and earned enough credits individually, you will each get your own Social Security benefit.

How do I switch from spousal benefits to my own benefits?

To make the switch from a survivor benefit to your own retirement benefit, which will reach its highest amount at age 70, you may either apply online at SSA.GOV or make an appointment with your local office to apply in person.

When can a spouse claim 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. There are other important caveats about the spousal benefit as well.

Do married couples get 2 Social Security checks?

To determine the amount of SSI benefits a couple is eligible to receive, their combined countable income is deducted from the FBR for a couple. The result is then divided equally and paid to the couple in separate checks.

How long can a widow collect her husband's Social Security?

Instead of the retired worker's benefit ending when he died, his widow could collect a survivor benefit for her lifetime. Since then, the eligibility rules for survivors have improved. The age requirements are lower, surviving ex-spouses are eligible, including surviving spouses and partners of same-sex relationships.

What not to do when someone dies?

8 Mistakes to Avoid After the Death of a Loved One
  1. Feeling pressured to make quick decisions. ...
  2. Not budgeting. ...
  3. Sorting through the deceased's possessions without a system. ...
  4. Forgetting to take care of household arrangements and tasks. ...
  5. Not canceling credit cards and utilities, or stopping Social Security benefit payments.

How long does a spouse get survivors benefits?

How Long Do You Receive Social Security Survivor Benefits? Social Security survivor benefits are payable to the surviving spouse for the remainder of their life. Restrictions apply for divorced spouses eligible to receive benefits.

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.

How do I get $144 added back to my Social Security check?

How do I qualify for the giveback?
  1. Are enrolled in Part A and Part B.
  2. Do not rely on government or other assistance for your Part B premium.
  3. Live in the zip code service area of a plan that offers this program.
  4. Enroll in an MA plan that provides a giveback benefit.

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.

Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefits. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.

At what age do you get 100 of your Social Security benefits?

The full retirement age is 66 if you were born from 1943 to 1954. The full retirement age increases gradually if you were born from 1955 to 1960 until it reaches 67. For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.

Does Social Security count as income?

You must pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you file a: Federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. Joint return, and you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000.