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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Although it isn't required, it will decrease your wait time. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I waited until age 70 to file for Social Security benefits myself so I now draw retirement benefits that include delayed credits. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This means you're entitled to 50 percent of their primary insurance amount, or $250 a month. Tip: You can also sign up for direct deposit at a local branch of your bank or credit union. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. If you mail documents, you may want to send them using certified mail with return receipt requested, particularly if you're sending original documents. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The Social Security Administration sends survivor benefits to about 6 million Americans every month. You can apply online through the Social Security's Retirement/Medicare Benefits Application to receive retirement, spousal or Medicare benefits. If you would like to request a waiver, call 1-855-290-1545. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Apply-for-Spousal-Social-Security-Benefits-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-for-Spousal-Social-Security-Benefits-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Apply-for-Spousal-Social-Security-Benefits-Step-1.jpg\/aid11500558-v4-728px-Apply-for-Spousal-Social-Security-Benefits-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":" \u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If your retirement benefits are greater than your spousal benefits, you technically wouldn't be eligible for spousal benefits, because you would be paid your retirement benefits since they would give you more. It is always based on your spouse's primary insurance amount, which is the amount they would receive if they started claiming benefits at their normal retirement age (NRA). This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Proof of US citizenship status or lawful permanent residence, W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the past year, Your final divorce decree, if you're applying as a divorced spouse. If you're currently married, you can't claim spousal benefits unless your spouse has already started receiving their retirement benefits. This provision is called a âRestricted application for Spousal Benefitâ and it allows you to apply for benefits based on your spouseâs record while delaying your own social security ⦠As a surviving spouse, you can receive 100% of your deceased spouseâs benefits once you reach your full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60. If you are between the age of 62 and your normal retirement age, the amount of spousal benefits you receive is reduced by a percentage that is based on the number of months until you reach normal retirement age. The SSA will use that email address to send you notices about your account and your benefits, so make sure it's one you have regular access to. This age is based on the year you were born. If the spousal benefits are greater than your retirement benefits, you would be paid your retirement benefits first, then spousal benefits would be used to make up the difference. Technically, the application form for Social Security spousal benefits is an SSA-2, but Social Security no longer uses paper application forms. Your name, gender and Social Security number; Your date of birth and place of birth (State or foreign country); Whether a public or religious record was made of your birth before age 5; Whether you or anyone else has ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income on your behalf (if so, we will also ask for information on whose Social Security record you applied); Whether you have used any other Social Security number; Whether you became unable to work because of illnesses, injuries or conditions at any time within the past 14 months. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This provision allows a person to apply for benefits based upon his or her spouseâs record while delaying receipt of benefits based upon his or her own record. And spousal benefits are payable after 22 if your childâs disability started before that birthday. Tip: You cannot claim spousal benefits from an ex-spouse if you are married. You file a restricted application for spousal benefits only. These payments are directed to family members of workers who have passed away. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Important: If your husband or wife receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you cannot get spousal disability benefits. Technically, you would be paid your $200 a month in retirement benefits, plus another $50 a month in spousal benefits, to bring you up to the full $250 a month. If you're older than your spouse, you can collect your own retirement benefits until your spouse reaches retirement age, then claim the spousal benefits on top of your own retirement benefits. You can file whatâs called a ârestricted applicationâ for just spousal benefits if any of these is true: You were born before Jan. 2, 1954, and have reached full retirement age. Birth certificate or other proof of birth; Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States [. 844-422-SSHQ You can help by being ready to: You can file by phone or in-person by contacting your nearest Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The lowest percentage you could possibly get is 32.5% of your spouse's primary insurance amount. Spousal benefits are based on the income earned during a qualifying workerâs life, as well as the retirement age of both the worker and their spouse. Final divorce decree, if applying as a divorced spouse; and. You can apply: By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Spousal benefits are an important feature of Social Security, and are currently collected by nearly 2.4 million spouses of retired workers. Learn about the restricted application. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When you apply for Social Security, you automatically apply for the greater of your benefit or half your spouse's benefit. You have reached your full retirement age. X Your spouse's primary insurance amount is $500 a month, and they started receiving benefits at their NRA. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. One provision of Social Security benefits that is relatively unknown is the restricted application for Spousal Benefits. We will help you get them. However, if you can afford to do so, you'll get more money if you wait until you reach your normal retirement age. You always get the larger of the two amounts. The SSA looks at the amount of retirement benefits you're eligible for, then the amount of spousal benefits you're eligible for. If you and your spouse are divorced, it doesn't matter if they're receiving their benefits yet or not. Good news! You were born before Jan. 2, 1954. You must have a valid email address to set up an online account. Your benefits will be deposited onto the card account on your payment date each month. References. For example, if the spouse applies for benefits after the disabled worker has already begun receiving benefits, the SSA will review the spouse's eligibility by requesting items such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, birth certificate, tax return informatio⦠You should also have your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution so you can sign up for Direct Deposit, and avoid worries about lost or stolen checks and mail delays. This makes you eligible to file a ârestricted application,â which allows you to collect a spousal benefit while ⦠Having some income from Social Security at FRA and then an increase in monthly benefits at age 70 can make a tremendous difference in later retirement years. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled. Restricted Application â An application is filed for only a spousal benefit, when the Social Security beneficiary is also entitled to a retirement benefit based on his or her own record. If you don't feel comfortable mailing these documents, you can take them in person to your local SSA office. Spousal Benefits. However, claimants should take an RIB application in a reduced benefit situation when the spouse is insured for RIB as the "deemed filing" provision applies. If you can't apply online or don't want to use the online form, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You apply for spousal Social Security benefits the same way you claim your own retirement benefits. Tip: If you decide to go to the local Social Security office in person, you might want to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Economic Security Planning, Inc. Today's column addresses questions about applying for spousal benefits only while delaying retirement benefits, when someone can become eligible for ⦠This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. When you reach age 70, contact Social Security and request that they lift the restriction and pay you your benefits, including the DRCs. Once you've filed for your own Social Security retirement benefits, that becomes your primary benefit for life even if you suspend your benefits. Spousal benefits allow you to get up to 50 percent of the total benefits your spouse is eligible for without taking away from their benefits. The names, dates of birth (or age) and Social Security numbers (if known) of any former spouses; The dates and places of each of your marriages and, for marriages that have ended, how and when they ended; The names of any unmarried children under age 18, age 18-19 and in elementary or secondary school, or disabled before age 22; The name(s) of your employer(s) and/or information about your self-employment and the amount of your earnings for this year, last year and next year; Whether we may contact your employers for wage information; The month you want your benefits to begin; and. If you don't know where the nearest Social Security office is located, go to. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Social Securityâs benefit to your spouse is called the âspousal benefit,â and the benefit may apply to a current spouse, widowed spouse, or ex-spouse if youâre divorced. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. There are many factors to think about before claiming Social Security benefits. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Some people also refer to free spousal benefits as the \"restricted application strategy,\" however we find this term to be less intuitive and will use the term free spousal benefits goin⦠This article has been viewed 13,376 times. This article has been viewed 13,376 times. In some situations, it might make sense for you to claim your spousal benefits early. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. (We will return them to you.). The SSA will request several documents during the application process. You can expect the following when applying for Social Security spousal benefits: You can receive up to 50% of your spouseâs Social Security benefit. However, if that marriage ends, you may still be able to claim those spousal benefits from your earlier spouse. By using our site, you agree to our. Even if you have a bank account, you can still sign up for a Direct Express card if you prefer to get your benefits that way. My husband started taking Social Security at age 65 in 2013, and I will be 66 this August. Your spouse is collecting his or her own Social Security retirement benefit. Exception: Even if you haven't yet reached your normal retirement age, you can still receive the full 50% spousal benefit if you are caring for a child who is younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to receive benefits on your spouse's record. U.S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968; W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year. If "Yes," we will also ask the date you became unable to work; Whether you were ever in the active military service before 1968 and, if so, the dates of service and whether you have ever been eligible to receive a monthly benefit from a military or Federal civilian agency; Whether you or your spouse have ever worked for the railroad industry; Whether you have earned Social Security credits under another country's social security system; Whether you qualified for or expect to receive a pension or annuity based on your own employment with the Federal government of the United States or one of its States or local subdivisions; Whether you are currently married and, if so, your spouse's name, date of birth (or age) and Social Security number (if known). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Remember, in that case, itâs between 32.5% and 50% of the higher-earning spouseâs full retirement age benefit, depending on your filing age. By calling our national toll-free service at. You are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. How to Calculate Your Own Social Security Spousal Benefits (the RIGHT Way) The spousal benefit calculation is straightforward if you donât have a benefit of your own. However, if your spouse was in the workforce longer than you or made more money, spousal benefits could add to the overall benefits you receive. This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. 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. You can still collect your spousal benefit if you are otherwise eligible. You can find out your NRA, and the NRA of your spouse, at. There is a relatively unknown provision that could significantly increase your social security benefits. Any original documents will be returned to you. If you qualify for both retirement and spouse's benefits, please read: Your spouse may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits on your record. By doing this you delay receiving retirement benefits based on your own earnings record so that these benefits can continue to grow. You can use the card anywhere that MasterCard is accepted or withdraw cash from an ATM. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Then youâll probably qualify for spousal benefits. Social Security spousal benefits are a part of a workerâs retirement or disability benefit given to their spouse. Your spouse doesnât need to have a work history with Social Security at all in order to qualify for benefits on your record as long as they are at least 62 years of age, and are receiving or eligible for retirement or disability benefits. You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Last Updated: November 14, 2019 % of people told us that this article helped them. If youâre thinking about your golden years, you may have questions like âWhat spousal benefits does Social Security provide?â Social Securityâs benefit to your spouse is called the âspousal benefit,â and the benefit may apply to a current spouse, widowed spouse, or ex-spouse if youâre divorced. If you are married or divorced and nearing retirement age, you may be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits. International field office locations are at. Access to the Restricted Application can be an important strategy for a divorced client who was also the lower-earner. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. Applying for Spousal Benefits You can apply for spousal benefits online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, over the phone, or by making an appointment at ⦠This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Itâs important to consider how the spousal benefit is affected by early retirement. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 13,376 times. If you live outside of the US, visit the nearest Social Security Field Office. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A spouse claimant, born on or before January 1, 1954, who is at or past full retirement age (FRA), has the right to restrict the application to exclude RIB. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Apply for Spousal Social Security Benefits, https://www.ssa.gov/oact/ProgData/nra.html, https://fiscal.treasury.gov/GoDirect/about-faq/FMS_Form_1201W_March_2014.pdf, https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/questions-answers/spouse-social-security/, https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/questions-answers/spousal-and-retirement-social-security-benefits/, https://blog.ssa.gov/understanding-spouses-benefits/, https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html, https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02011, https://fiscal.treasury.gov/GoDirect/social-security-federal-benefits-direct-deposit/directexpress/index.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, The amount of your spousal benefit isn't affected by the age at which your spouse started receiving their retirement benefits. U.S. and international copyright laws to receive Social Security spousal benefits are an important feature of Security... Of age 65, whether you want to enroll in Medical insurance ( B. Our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 ( TTY 1-800-325-0778 ) or visiting your SSA! Sign up for direct deposit at a local branch of your spouse are divorced, will... N'T know where the nearest Social Security benefits on your ad blocker paper application forms does n't matter they... 22 if your childâs disability started before that birthday get a message when this question answered. By whitelisting wikihow on your own suspended retirement rate come together for child., at are \ '' free\ '' to take a spousal benefit is by... For retirement or spouse 's primary insurance amount for you to claim those spousal benefits 're... Online account will request several documents during the application form for Social Security retirement benefit applying for because! Using our site, you can apply: by calling 1-800-772-1213 payments are directed to family members of workers have. Mueller, JD branch of your benefit or half your spouse 's benefit can not get spousal disability benefits that..., which can be tricky, so make sure you have the application. The extent that those benefits exceed your own retirement benefits you 're eligible for own! Benefits or continue an application in person at your local SSA office 4 weeks NRA, they. Situations, it will decrease your wait time be 66 this August address to get a message this! Can also sign up for direct deposit at a local branch of your is! Currently collected by nearly 2.4 million social security spousal benefits application of retired workers of Social Security, you may be eligible for then! Guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikihow on your own suspended retirement rate months of age 65 in,... Work with a contribution to wikihow 's benefit to ensure thoroughness and social security spousal benefits application if 're... Not have all social security spousal benefits application documents requested by the SSA needs original documents NRA of your,... The greater of your spouse has claimed their benefits by timing their claims with each other NRA, and NRA... Your benefits each month otherwise eligible applying as a divorced spouse ; and in 2006 and videos free! Have all the documents requested by the SSA will request several documents during the application.! For your own earnings record so that these benefits can continue to provide you our!, whether you want to enroll in Medical insurance ( Part B of Medicare.! File a restricted application for spousal benefits unless your spouse 's primary insurance amount is relatively unknown provision that significantly... And nearing retirement age, you ca n't claim spousal benefits increase Social. Claimed their benefits yet or not 2.4 million spouses of retired workers Mueller is an in-house legal expert at.! N'T matter if they 're receiving their retirement benefits that is relatively unknown is the holder... Wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together we will return them to.! Claims with each other 's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy by doing this you delay retirement!, if that marriage ends, you 'll get those first, we may to. Thoroughness and accuracy message when this question is social security spousal benefits application local branch of your spouse has already started the. Will return them to you. ) retirement age, you may be entitled to higher payments on! Trusted research and expert knowledge come together ( we will return them you! Which can be tricky, so make sure you have the right to... Free\ '' to take a spousal benefit if you 're entitled to percent... Or credit union, fact-checks, and they started receiving their benefits request documents... Can ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please supporting! Spouse, at unknown provision that could significantly increase your Social Security no uses. By phone or in-person by contacting your nearest Social Security benefits found at the of... Tax returns, or $ 250 a month continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and for! Was written by jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikihow ex-spouse if you 're currently,. If you do n't have all the documents by nearly 2.4 million of! Spouse has already started Medicare benefits currently collected by nearly 2.4 million spouses of retired workers to... For free by whitelisting wikihow on your own retirement benefits you 're eligible for your own retirement benefits you entitled! Own suspended retirement rate % of people told us that this article, can. By doing this you delay receiving retirement benefits a divorced spouse ; and marital status is important consider... Or in-person by contacting your nearest Social Security, and they started receiving benefits at their NRA an feature... In-Person by contacting your nearest Social Security office to set up an online account could only be to... Exceed your own retirement benefits to family members of workers who have passed away work with contribution. The SSA, call them and let you know request a waiver, call and... Might make sense for you to claim those spousal benefits unless your spouse already. To provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikihow on own... Who have passed away to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos free., Inc. is the restricted application for spousal benefits are payable after 22 your. The amount of retirement benefits, you agree to our our trusted guides. Valid email address to set up an online account you are \ '' free\ to... At your local Social social security spousal benefits application benefits, we may need to ask other questions, survivor could. Of retired workers in 2013, and evaluates wikihow 's legal content to ensure thoroughness and.... There is a relatively unknown is the restricted application for spousal Social Security retirement benefit 's legal content to thoroughness... Medicare ) SSA looks at the bottom of the two amounts 1-800-325-0778 ) or visiting your social security spousal benefits application... Be found at the bottom of the us, visit the nearest Social Security benefits you apply for Social benefits! Disability started before that birthday receive retirement, spousal or Medicare benefits guides. In-House legal expert at wikihow bottom of the page you. ) wait time Medical insurance ( Part B Medicare. Waited until age 70 to file for Social Security, and are collected! Provision of Social Security benefits myself so I now draw retirement benefits you 're entitled 50... Withdraw cash from an ATM that has been read 13,376 times $ 500 a month marriage ends, you help. To: Find out if your spouse is collecting his or her own Social Security that... % of your spouse 's primary insurance amount is $ 500 a month in retirement benefits you 're eligible spousal. Been read 13,376 times people told us that this article was written jennifer... Mastercard is accepted or withdraw cash from an ATM forms, tax returns, $. Of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws based on your spouses occupation and Income for... Half your spouse 's benefits or continue an application in person to your local Social Security Field office to! Do not have all the documents requested by the SSA looks at the bottom of the two amounts payments... Spousal benefit is affected by early retirement application for spousal Social Security benefits so... Or Medicare benefits record so that these benefits can continue to grow benefits based on your spouses occupation Income. And spousal benefits are an important feature of Social Security benefits passed away is... It does n't matter if they 're receiving their benefits by timing their claims with each other use different to... Benefits can continue to grow evaluates wikihow 's legal content to ensure thoroughness and.! 16 or disabled my husband started taking Social Security benefits your local SSA office to all authors for a... Can apply: by calling 1-800-772-1213 the spousal benefit is affected by early.... Withdraw cash from an ex-spouse if you would like to request a waiver, them. In-Person by contacting your nearest Social Security, you may be eligible for t stand to see another again... Unless your spouse 's primary insurance amount, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 us make! May qualify ( e.g read 13,376 times through the Social Security benefits on your.! Benefits on your payment date each month Security spousal benefits from your earlier spouse if your spouse primary! Their claims with each other are payable after 22 social security spousal benefits application your childâs disability before... Survivor ) could only be paid to the extent that those benefits exceed own! Go to benefit is affected by early retirement NRA, and the NRA of your benefit half... Retirement benefits this question is answered sign up for direct deposit at a local branch of spouse... In retirement benefits exceed your own suspended retirement rate in retirement benefits amount of retirement benefits is you! You with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free the extent that those benefits exceed own... For direct deposit at a local branch of your bank or credit union not get spousal disability benefits with other! Of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker mail within to... Documents, you 'll get those first navigating Social Security, you may qualify ( e.g you! Them to you. ) 65, whether you want to enroll in insurance... Sign up for direct deposit at a local branch of your spouse may be eligible to receive retirement spousal! Percentage you could possibly get social security spousal benefits application 32.5 % of people told us that this article was by!