Social Security Spousal Benefits: When Can a Spouse Collect Spousal Benefits from Social Security?

This review explains the rules for Social Security spousal benefits, which a worker's spouse may be eligible for based on their contributions.

Social Security Spousal Benefits: Knowing whether you or your partner qualify to get Social Security payments can be a bit perplexing. This brief review will help you grasp the rules on Social Security spousal benefits.

The worker’s spouse could be eligible for a spousal benefit based on the worker’s contributions should the worker apply for Social Security benefits.

For the spouse to be qualified for this spousal benefit, one of the following must be applicable:

You must be at least 62 years old.
Take care of a child younger than 16 or who gets disability funds from Social Security.

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It is noteworthy that the spousal benefit cannot be initiated until the worker has applied for their own Social Security benefits.

How much is allowed for a spouse?

Up to half of the employee’s “primary insurance amount,” or the amount they are eligible to receive at full retirement age, may be awarded as spousal benefits. The benefit amount will be lower if the spouse chooses to begin receiving benefits before attaining full retirement age.

This decrease in regulation does not apply to spouses who are under full retirement age if they are providing care for an eligible child (a child under 16 or one who is receiving disability payments).

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Depending on their income, a spouse may occasionally be qualified for a retirement benefit as well. Social Security will pay a greater amount if this personal retirement benefit is greater than the spousal benefit. The greater spousal benefit will be paid out if it exists.

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