Which spouse should claim Social Security first?

Asked by: Dr. Ed Sporer  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (59 votes)

The higher earner is the spouse with the larger primary insurance amounts (PIA). When you're deciding who will collect first and who should wait, consider having the lower earner collect first and having the higher earner wait.

Does second wife get Social Security from husband?

Nothing keeps you from getting own Social Security benefit

whether you're married or not and whether your husband collects Social Security or not. ∎ Your retirement benefit is figured the same way a man's retirement benefit is figured.

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

The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the other spouse's full benefit. You may be eligible if you're married, formerly married, divorced, or widowed. You can collect spousal benefits as early as age 62, but in most cases, the benefits are reduced permanently if you start collecting early.

Does the first spouse get Social Security?

Yes. You are eligible to collect spousal benefits on a living former wife's or husband's earnings record as long as: The marriage lasted at least 10 years.

Which wife gets the Social Security?

Many women get a higher benefit based on their ex- spouse's work, especially if that spouse is deceased. When you apply, you'll need to give your spouse's Social Security number. If you don't know your spouse's number, you'll need to provide your spouse's date and place of birth and the names of your spouse's parents.

A Strategy for Married Couples to Maximize Benefit

32 related questions found

How much does a wife get of her husband's 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.

How many wives can claim Social Security?

Social Security says that multiple people are eligible to claim on one worker's record. But you can get only one benefit and one at a time.

Can my wife claim spousal benefits before I retire?

Can my spouse collect Social Security on my record before I retire? No. You have to be receiving your Social Security retirement or disability benefit for your husband or wife to collect spousal benefits. ... In this way, both could earn delayed retirement credits that boosted their eventual Social Security payments.

Do married couples get two Social Security checks?

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. ... Say you and your mate both claimed Social Security at full retirement age.

When should lower earning spouse claim Social Security?

To claim a spousal benefit, the low earner must wait until the later of (1) reaching age 62 or (2) the month in which the high earner claims his own-record benefit.

How does my wife apply for half of my Social Security?

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.

Does a wife get 50 of husband's Social Security?

How Much to Expect for Spousal Social Security Benefits. Your spousal benefit will be 50% of your spouse's benefit if you start payments at full retirement age or older. The full retirement age varies by birth year and is usually age 66 or 67.

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

Can I file for my Social Security at 62 and switch to spousal benefits later? 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 is a second wife entitled to?

Your second spouse typically will be able to claim one-third to one-half of the assets covered by your will, even if it says something else. Joint bank or brokerage accounts held with a child will go to that child. Your IRA will go to whomever you've named on the IRA's beneficiary form, leaving your new spouse out.

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

Amount of Divorced Spouse's Survivors Benefit

If you are between the ages of 60 and full retirement age, you will receive in the range of 71.5% to 99% of your deceased ex-spouse's SSDI or retirement benefit.

How does a second marriage affect Social Security benefits?

In general, you can't receive survivors benefits if you remarry before the age of 60 unless the latter marriage ends, whether by death, divorce, or annulment. If you remarry after age 60 (50 if disabled), you can still collect benefits on your former spouse's record.

How long does it take to get your first Social Security check after applying?

Once you have applied, it could take up to three months to receive your first benefit payment. Social Security benefits are paid monthly, starting in the month after the birthday at which you attain full retirement age (which is currently 66 and will gradually rise to 67 over the next several years).

When a husband dies what is the wife entitled to?

Upon one partner's death, the surviving spouse may receive up to one-half of the community property. If there is no will or trust, then surviving spouses may also inherit the other half of the community property, and take up to one-half of the deceased spouse's separate property.

How much Social Security will my wife get if she never worked?

If you are required to file for both, you generally receive the higher benefit amount. A wife with no work record or low benefit entitlement on her own work record is eligible for between one-third and one-half of her spouse's Social Security benefit.

Can my wife get half my Social Security when I reach 65?

Your full spouse's benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to begin receiving spouse's benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?

You can begin collecting your Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but you'll get smaller monthly payments for the rest of your life if you do. Even so, claiming benefits early can be a sensible choice for people in certain circumstances.

Why retiring at 62 is a good idea?

Reason #1: Retire Early if You Want to Stay Healthier Longer

But not all work is good for you; sometimes it's detrimental to your health. Retiring at 62 from a backbreaking job or one with a disproportionately high level of stress can help you retain, or regain, your good health and keep it longer.

What is the average Social Security check at age 62?

At age 62: $2,364. At age 65: $2,993. At age 66: $3,240. At age 70: $4,194.

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

You can collect Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 and still work. If you earn over a certain amount, however, your benefits will be temporarily reduced until you reach full retirement age.

Can I collect Social Security if my husband is collecting?

Yes, you can collect Social Security's on a spouse's earnings record. You may be able to do this in the form of spousal benefits, or as survivor benefits if you are a widow or widower. ... You qualify for spousal benefits if: Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits.