Spouses can enjoy the social security benefits of their partners if they meet certain requirements, according to the Social Security Administration. This payment, which comes once a month, will see the spouse revive their payment first (if it is higher) before receiving that of their spouse.
How does it work?
Social Security benefits are monthly payments made to retirees or individuals with disabilities at least 65 years or older. These benefits are paid to help them reduce the cost of living and improve the quality of their lives past retirement age.
Spouses who enjoy Social Security spousal benefits qualify as recipients based on their partner’s full retirement age (FRA). More than this, they can also enjoy their benefits separately.
The average monthly payment for Social Security is pegged at $1,918, while spousal benefits can amount to $918 per month as of June 2024. This is calculated in such a way that if the benefit amount of a spouse is higher, the individual will get a combination of both benefits, which will equal the higher amount of benefits between both spouses that will then be paid.
What are the requirements for receiving spousal benefits?
Spouses who are looking at receiving both their social security benefit and their spousal benefits can do so if they meet the following requirements:
- The spouse must be eligible for social security benefits based on retirement or disability.
- As a spouse, you must be at least 62 years of age. However, an exception can be made if you have a child under your care who is below the age of 16 or have a disabled child who is also receiving this benefit.
- The individual must also be willing to provide personal information that can be evidenced. This will include their social security number and that of their spouse.
- Americans who have previously been married will provide evidence of their previous marriage, such as a marriage certificate.
- The individual must also be able to provide documentation such as a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, proof of citizenship, or lawful residency status.
Who will not be receiving the benefits?
It is important to note that not all spouses are qualified to receive spousal social security benefits. This is because, in certain special situations, some exemptions might exist. These exemptions include:
- Couples whose marriage didn’t last up to 10 years will not be qualified to receive spousal support.
- If either couple remarries, that individual is not eligible for spousal benefits.
- A spouse who is under the age of 62 and not caring for a child under the age of 16 is not qualified to receive support.
- Another exception comes in the form of the rule of dual entitlement. If a spouse is entitled to their benefits, they would have to settle for the higher benefit; the lower benefit would be reduced significantly or eliminated. They cannot receive both benefits in full.
These eligibility criteria must be met before the individual can partake of spousal benefits from Social Security.
