Did you know that you may be able to claim Social Security spousal benefits for retirement? Many people in America are under the assumption that they can only claim benefits on their own work record, but if you are (or have been) married then you likely have more options. Read on to learn more about Social Security spousal benefits.
1. You must have been married for a minimum of ten years to be eligible for spousal benefits.
If you have been married to your spouse for ten years or longer, you are eligible to claim a portion of their Social Security benefits.
2. Even if you are divorced, you may still be able to claim spousal benefits from your ex’s retirement benefits.
The same rule applies as the statement in #1: ten years is the key. If you were married to your ex for at least ten years, you can claim a slice of their retirement benefits via spousal benefits. And you thought your ex was good for nothing!
3. Although you may have remarried, you can still claim your ex or late spouse’s Social Security benefits.
If you remarry after the age of 60 and were married to your ex or late spouse for at least ten years, you can still claim spousal benefits, regardless of your new marriage. The Social Security office doesn’t penalize you for finding a new love later in life, so don’t be afraid to remarry.
4. You can receive up to fifty percent of your spouse’s Social Security benefits.
Although the total amount of spousal benefits varies case by case, you can receive a maximum of fifty percent of your spouse’s Social Security benefits. This isn’t saying that you will receive fifty percent of your spouse’s retirement benefits, but that it is possible to receive up to fifty percent of their earnings.
5. You must decide between claiming your own Social Security benefits or your spouse’s retirement benefits.
Many people confuse spousal benefits as an addition to their own retirement benefits, but that isn’t so. You must choose whether you want to claim Social Security benefits based on your work history OR spousal benefits, which are based on your spouse’s work history.
6. Your spouse must qualify for and claim their benefits before you can apply for spousal benefits.
Though you may reach the full retirement age before your spouse, you cannot claim spousal benefits until they claim their own benefits.
7. Common law marriages are recognized by the Social Security office.
If you live in a state in which common law marriages are recognized, the Social Security office honors that union. Those who meet the requirements for common law marriages are also eligible to receive spousal benefits, as long as they meet the spousal benefit requirements as well.
When dealing with any type of Social Security benefits claim, it is best to be informed. For more details on spousal benefits, be sure to check out my Social Security book. To know is to be prepared, and to be prepared is to be ready for a happy, financially stable future. Are you ready?