You can collect benefits on a spouse’s work record regardless of whether you also worked. If your own retirement benefit is lower than your spousal benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher amount.
When should my spouse take Social Security?
You will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount if you wait until you reach full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. You will also receive the full amount if you are caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled.
What happens when you apply for Social Security as a spouse?
If you do have enough credits to qualify for your own Social Security benefits and you apply for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
Can a spouse collect Social Security on their own work record?
You can collect benefits on a spouse’s work record regardless of whether you also worked. If your own retirement benefit is lower than your spousal benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher amount. To qualify for survivor benefits, you must have been:
What’s the difference between social security and spousal benefits?
Technically, Social Security considers itself to be paying the $900 retirement benefit on your work record and topping it up with $100 on your spouse’s record — but practically speaking, you’re getting the spousal benefit. Deemed filing covers only the combination of retirement and spousal benefits.
Can a spouse receive Social Security and disability at the same time?
Recipients cannot receive both Social Security disability benefits as well as Social Security retirement benefits at the same time as one transcends the other. Some requirements must be followed if a spouse wishes to qualify for SSDI spousal benefits.
