Your retirement benefit? No. Each spouse is entitled to their own retirement benefit, which is determined exclusively by their own earnings history. Both of you are able to receive your full payouts simultaneously.
However, if you receive spousal benefits, your spouse’s income may have an impact on the total amount you receive from Social Security. These are Social Security benefits that you are eligible to receive based on your spouse’s or your earnings history.
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The maximum spousal benefit is half of your partner’s primary insurance amount, which is the retirement benefit to which your partner is entitled, based on their earnings history, at full retirement age. (The individual claiming spousal benefits must have reached full retirement age, which is 66 and 6 months for those born in 1957 and progressively increases to 67 over the following few years, in order to be eligible for 50% of benefits.) ).
Married individuals must file for spousal benefits concurrently with their retirement benefits under Social Security’s “deemed filing” rule; if you file for one, you are deemed to be claiming the other. Social Security will only ever pay you the greater of the two amounts. You will receive the full amount of the spousal benefit if it exceeds your retirement benefit because your spouse earned significantly more than you did during your working years.
Imagine if, at full retirement age, both you and your partner filed for Social Security. Your spouse receives a $2,000 monthly retirement benefit, while yours is $1,200 based on your individual earnings records. Social Security will effectively disregard your spouse’s $1,000 spousal benefit, which is half of their benefit, and pay your higher retirement benefit of $1,200 instead.
But suppose your retirement benefit is only $900 a month. In this instance, Social Security will pay you $1,000, which is the same as the spousal benefit. In actuality, you’re receiving the spousal benefit even though Social Security views itself as paying the $900 retirement benefit on your work record and topping it up with $100 on your spouse’s record.
Navigating the complexities of Social Security can be challenging, especially for married couples. Understanding how Social Security benefits work for couples can help you maximize your benefits and plan for a secure retirement.
Understanding Spousal Benefits
In addition to receiving benefits based on their own work history, spouses may also be eligible for spousal benefits. These benefits are based on the higher-earning spouse’s work history and can provide a valuable supplement to your own retirement income.
Eligibility for Spousal Benefits
To be eligible for spousal benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 62 years old.
- Be married to the higher-earning spouse for at least one year.
- Not be eligible for a higher Social Security benefit based on your own work history.
Calculating Spousal Benefits
Your spousal benefit will be equal to up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit amount. However, the amount you receive may be reduced if you start collecting benefits before your full retirement age.
Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Here are some tips for maximizing your Social Security benefits as a married couple:
- Coordinate your claiming strategies: Consider delaying the higher-earning spouse’s benefits to maximize their benefit amount. The surviving spouse will also receive a higher survivor benefit if the higher-earning spouse delays claiming benefits.
- Understand the “reset” rule: If you start collecting benefits early and regret your decision, you can “reset” your benefits by repaying the benefits you received and starting over.
- Consider the “voluntary suspension” option: If you start collecting benefits early but later decide you want to wait, you can voluntarily suspend your benefits until your full retirement age.
- Utilize available resources: The Social Security Administration website provides valuable resources, including benefit calculators and claiming strategies.
Additional Considerations
- Divorce: If you divorce after at least 10 years of marriage, you may be eligible for benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work history.
- Survivor benefits: The surviving spouse is eligible to receive the deceased spouse’s full retirement benefit amount.
Understanding how Social Security benefits work for married couples can help you make informed decisions and maximize your retirement income. By coordinating your claiming strategies, utilizing available resources, and considering your individual circumstances, you can ensure a secure financial future for yourself and your spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can both spouses receive Social Security benefits?
A: Yes, both spouses can receive Social Security benefits. One spouse can receive benefits based on their own work history, while the other spouse can receive spousal benefits based on the higher-earning spouse’s work history.
Q: How much are spousal benefits?
A: Spousal benefits are equal to up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement benefit amount. However, the amount you receive may be reduced if you start collecting benefits before your full retirement age.
Q: When can I start receiving spousal benefits?
A: You can start receiving spousal benefits as early as age 62. However, the amount you receive will be reduced if you start collecting benefits before your full retirement age.
Q: What happens to my spousal benefits if my spouse dies?
A: If your spouse dies, you will continue to receive your spousal benefits. You will also be eligible to receive survivor benefits, which are equal to the full retirement benefit amount of your deceased spouse.
Q: Where can I find more information about Social Security benefits for married couples?
A: The Social Security Administration website provides valuable resources, including benefit calculators and claiming strategies. You can also contact the Social Security Administration directly for more information.
Imagine if, at full retirement age, both you and your partner filed for Social Security. Your spouse receives a $2,000 monthly retirement benefit, while yours is $1,200 based on your individual earnings records. Social Security will effectively disregard your spouse’s $1,000 spousal benefit, which is half of their benefit, and pay your higher retirement benefit of $1,200 instead.
Married individuals must file for spousal benefits concurrently with their retirement benefits under Social Security’s “deemed filing” rule; if you file for one, you are deemed to be claiming the other. Social Security will only ever pay you the greater of the two amounts. You will receive the full amount of the spousal benefit if it exceeds your retirement benefit because your spouse earned significantly more than you did during your working years.
Your retirement benefit? No. Each spouse is entitled to their own retirement benefit, which is determined exclusively by their own earnings history. Both of you are able to receive your full payouts simultaneously.
However, if you receive spousal benefits, your spouse’s income may have an impact on the total amount you receive from Social Security. These are Social Security benefits that you are eligible to receive based on your spouse’s or your earnings history.
But suppose your retirement benefit is only $900 a month. In this instance, Social Security will pay you $1,000, which is the same as the spousal benefit. In actuality, you’re receiving the spousal benefit even though Social Security views itself as paying the $900 retirement benefit on your work record and topping it up with $100 on your spouse’s record.
On your own record, if you are qualified for retirement benefits, we will pay that sum first. You will receive a combination of benefits equal to the higher spouse benefit if your benefits as a spouse exceed your own retirement benefits.
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Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting our Benefits For Your Family page for more information.
You might be eligible for benefits on your spouse’s record if you don’t have enough Social Security credits to be eligible on your own.
You will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to half of what your spouse is eligible to receive, if you wait until you are of full retirement age to start receiving benefits. In addition, if you are under full retirement age and you take care of a child, one of the following applies to you and you will receive your full spouse’s benefit: