How do I switch from spousal benefit to my own Social Security benefit?
You will have to file an application to switch from survivor benefits on a late spouse’s work record to retirement benefits on your own record. You should apply four months before you want your retirement benefit to start.
Can I switch to Social Security spousal benefits after taking my retirement benefit?
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. That includes if you file early for your retirement benefit — say, at 62, as in this scenario — and switch to spousal benefits later.
When did Social Security spousal benefits change?
If you file before full retirement age, you are automatically deemed applying for spousal benefits as well, as long as your husband or wife already is receiving Social Security. Congressional legislation in 2015 changed the rules applying to spousal benefits for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1954.
Is spousal Social Security going away?
A federal law passed in 2015 eliminated two strategies couples formerly used to maximize their Social Security benefits. Spouses born after Jan. 1, 1954, can no longer claim spousal benefits and later switch to collecting benefits based on their own work record.
How long do spousal benefits last?
A spousal benefit is reduced 25/36 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months. If the number of months exceeds 36, then the benefit is further reduced 5/12 of one percent per month.
Can you collect 1/2 of spouse’s Social Security and then your full amount?
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.
What is the maximum spousal benefit for Social Security?
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.
How long does a spouse get survivors benefits?
Generally, spouses and ex-spouses become eligible for survivor benefits at age 60 — 50 if they are disabled — provided they do not remarry before that age. These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit.
Does second wife get husband Social Security?
As a spouse, you have the option of claiming a Social Security retirement benefit based on your own earnings record or collecting a spousal benefit equal to half of your spouse’s Social Security benefit.
Does husband’s first wife get Social Security?
Am I Entitled To My Ex-Spouse’s 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.
What is the difference between spousal benefits and survivor benefits?
Spousal benefits are based on a living spouse or ex-spouse’s work history. Survivor benefits are based on a deceased spouse or ex-spouse’s work history. If divorced, you may still be able to apply for benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work if you were married at least 10 years and are currently unmarried.
When do you switch to spousal Social Security?
If you apply for your own retirement and your spouse has not applied for their benefit, you can receive your benefit and then switch to the spousal benefit when they file or when they reach Full Retirement Age.
How does the amount of Social Security spousal benefits work?
The amount of your spousal benefit depends on 1) your spouse’s earnings history and 2) how old you are when you claim your benefits. If you claim benefits before your full retirement age (table directly below), your benefits will be permanently reduced based on the number of months until you reach that age.
Can a spouse claim their own Social Security benefits?
You were born before Jan. 2, 1954. Your spouse is collecting his or her own Social Security retirement benefit. This makes you eligible to file a “restricted application,” which allows you to collect a spousal benefit while delaying benefits on your own earnings record.
What happens to your social security if your spouse suspends their benefits?
Under the new law (which affected everyone going forward, regardless of birth year) if your spouse suspends his or her earned benefits, your spousal benefits also will be suspended. The one exception is divorced couples. People receiving spousal benefits based on ex-spouses will continue to get their benefits even if the spouse suspends theirs.