It is likely that both you and your spouse have earned enough Social Security credits to be eligible for your own benefits after retirement. Anyone who is married can apply for Social Security benefits on their own, or they can take the option to get up to 50 percent of their spouse’s benefit amount at full retirement age.
Full Answer
Do I qualify for my spouse’s Social Security benefits?
To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must either be: At least 62 years of age. Any age and caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled. Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age.
What are my spouse’s Medicare benefits?
The spouse’s benefits apply specifically to Part A of Medicare (keep reading for an explanation of what all of the parts cover). You can’t purchase couple’s coverage for any other portion of Medicare.
Can I enroll in Medicare Part A under my spouse's work history?
However, you can enroll in premium-free Part A under your spouse’s work history if he or she has the necessary 40 quarters of Medicare earnings required, is at least age 62, and you have been married at least 1 year. NOTE: Your spouse does NOT have to be receiving Social Security retirement benefits for this to work.
Can I claim my spouse’s Social Security benefits when I turn 70?
If you are the higher earning spouse, you may claim the spousal benefit based on your spouse’s work record when you reach full retirement age. This leaves that benefit which is based on your work record to accumulate delayed retirement credits. Then, when you turn 70, you can switch over from the spousal benefit to your actual benefit.
Can I use my husbands Medicare?
But when a person asks “Can my non-working spouse get Medicare?” they really are asking “Can my spouse be on my Medicare plan?” The answer is no. Medicare is individual insurance, so spouses cannot be on the same Medicare plan together.
Can I draw part of my husband's Social Security?
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.
How do I claim spousal Social Security benefits?
Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.
How do I switch from spousal benefits to my own?
Go to www.ssa.gov. On the main page, click on “online services” and then select “apply for retirement bene its.” Since you are currently collecting benefits on your spouse's record, you should be able to start a new application for retirement benefits under your own Social Security number.
When can I claim half of my spouse's Social Security?
You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, but you won't receive as much as if you wait until your own full retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is 67 and you choose to claim spousal benefits at 62, you'd receive a benefit that's equal to 32.5% of your spouse's full benefit amount.
Can I take my husband's Social Security instead of mine?
Can I Collect Social Security Spousal Benefits? Yes, you can collect Social Security's on a spouse's earnings record. You may be able to do this in the form of spousal benefits, or as survivor benefits if you are a widow or widower.
How does Social Security spousal benefits work?
The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.
How much does a wife get of her husband's Social Security?
If you're getting Social Security retirement benefits, some members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. If they qualify, your ex-spouse, spouse, or child may receive a monthly payment of up to one-half of your retirement benefit amount.
Can my wife claim spousal benefits before I retire?
No. You have to be receiving your Social Security retirement or disability benefit for your husband or wife to collect spousal benefits.
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Can I collect spousal benefits and my own Social Security?
Can I collect spousal benefits if I earned my own Social Security benefit? En español | Technically, yes, you can receive both spousal benefits and your own retirement payment. As a practical matter, however, you'll get the higher of the two amounts, and no more.
What is the best Social Security strategy for married couples?
3 Social Security Strategies for Married Couples Retiring EarlyHave the higher earner claim Social Security early. ... Have the lower earner claim Social Security early. ... Delay Social Security jointly and live on savings or other income sources.
When will my spouse receive my full retirement?
You will receive your full spouse’s benefit amount if you wait until you reach full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. You will also receive the full amount if you are caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record who is younger than age 16 or disabled.
How old do you have to be to get spouse's Social Security?
To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age.
What happens if your spouse's retirement benefits are higher than your own?
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. Here is an example: Mary Ann qualifies for a retirement benefit of $250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400.
How old do you have to be to apply for retirement?
If you are at least 62 years of age and you wish to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits, you can use our online retirement application to apply for one or both benefits.
When can a spouse receive Medicare?
Now let’s look at when your spouse is older than you and your spouse didn’t meet the 40 quarters requirement, but you do. When you turn age 62 and your spouse is age 65, your spouse can usually receive premium-free Medicare benefits.
How long do you have to be married to qualify for Medicare?
You have been married to your spouse who qualifies for Social Security benefits for at least 1 year before applying for Social Security benefits. You are divorced, but were married to a spouse for at least 10 years who qualifies for Social Security benefits. You must now be single to apply for Medicare benefits.
How to apply for Medicare Part A?
To qualify for Medicare Part A benefits at age 65 based on your spouse’s work history, you must meet one of the following requirements: 1 You have been married to your spouse who qualifies for Social Security benefits for at least 1 year before applying for Social Security benefits. 2 You are divorced, but were married to a spouse for at least 10 years who qualifies for Social Security benefits. You must now be single to apply for Medicare benefits. 3 You are widowed, but were married for at least 9 months before your spouse died, and they qualified for Social Security benefits. You must now be single.
How long does it take to get Medicare if you don't work?
Medicare is a benefit for individuals who worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 40 quarters of work, which is roughly about 10 years. If a person’s spouse didn’t work, they may still qualify for Medicare Part A based on their spouse’s work history when they turn age 65.
What is the number to call for Medicare?
If you have further questions about Medicare benefits, you can call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office for more information. Read this article in Spanish.
What is Medicare Advantage?
One of these options is Medicare Advantage (Part C), which bundles both Part A and Part B together and offers additional coverage and benefits. If extra coverage, like dental, vision, or hearing care, is important to maintaining your individual health, give some thought to whether original Medicare or Medicare Advantage will work best for you.
Is Medicare an individual insurance?
Medicare is an individual insurance system, but there are times when one spouse’s eligibility may help the other receive certain benefits.
What age can you get Medicare if your spouse is not insured?
Primary Medicare recipients and their non-insured spouses are entitled to the same benefits under Medicare if both have reached the age of 65. So, what happens if your spouse is not 65 years old when you become eligible? Let’s look at what happens in these situations.
When can a non-working spouse get Medicare?
Your non-working spouse is eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A coverage at the age of 65 based on your work record and if you meet the necessary requirements for Medicare coverage mentioned above.
How old do you have to be to get Medicare?
In a case such as this, you must be at least 62 years old.
How long do you have to work to qualify for Medicare?
In the United States, as soon as you turn 65 you are eligible for Medicare benefits if you are citizen or have been a legal resident for five years or more and have worked for at least 40 quarters (10 years) paying federal taxes.
When do you have to enroll in Medicare?
Most people get Part A (Hospital Insurance) premium-free at the age of 65 based on taxes paid while working. If you wish to sign up for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and/or Part D (prescription drug insurance), you must enroll separately during your initial enrollment period, Open Enrollment or during Special Enrollment Period to avoid paying late enrollment penalties. If you and your spouse are different ages, you will likely become eligible at different times.
Does Medicare cover my spouse?
Your personal Medicare insurance policy does not cover anyone but you. Your spouse or family members cannot be included in your coverage. For your spouse to have Medicare coverage, he or she must have a separate, individual policy.
Do you have to enroll in Medicare Part B or D?
If you wish to sign up for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and/or Part D (prescription drug insurance), you must enroll separately during your initial enrollment period, Open Enrollment or during Special Enrollment Period to avoid paying late enrollment penalties.
How to enroll in Social Security by phone?
Enroll By Phone. Contact Social Security to schedule a phone appointment for this enrollment. You can call the main line at 800-772-1213 or a local Social Security office to schedule ( Social Security office locator ). We recommend initiating the request 3-4 months prior to your planned start date.
How long does it take to get SSA enrollment confirmation?
If you need to send any documents, the SSA rep will ask you to either mail or fax them. After that, it’s usually a 3-6 week timeframe for processing. You will receive confirmation of the enrollment being complete by US mail.
Is Medicare Mindset LLC affiliated with Medicare?
Neither Medicare Mindset LLC nor its agents are affiliated with the Federal Medicare program.
What Does It Take to Qualify for Social Security Spousal Benefits?
Unlike most rules related to Social Security, the rules for the spousal benefit entitlement are pretty straightforward and easy to understand.
How much of my spouse's Social Security is my full retirement?
Remember, in that case, it’s between 32.5% and 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement age benefit, depending on your filing age. However, it can seem a little more complicated if you have Social Security benefits from your work history.
How many people receive Social Security benefits as a spouse?
A recent Social Security report found that 2.3 million individuals received at least part of their benefit as a spouse of an entitled worker. Some of these spouses had benefits of their own, but were eligible to receive higher benefit because the spousal benefit amount was greater than their own benefit. Others never worked outside the home ...
What is the most generous benefit available to retirees?
What’s one of the most generous benefits available to retirees? That’s easy. It’s Social Security spousal benefits ! These benefits are some of the most important, too.
How much is spousal benefit?
Depending on how old you are when you file, the spousal benefit amount will range between 32.5% and 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement benefit. Check out the chart below to get an idea of how the benefit works and what your payment might be if you can take advantage ...
What is the 1 year requirement for Social Security?
The 1-year requirement is also waived if you were entitled (or potentially entitled!) to Social Security benefits on someone else’s work record in the month before you were married. An example of these benefits would be spousal benefits, survivor benefits or parent’s benefits.
What is Julie's reduction to her own benefit?
This means that Julie’s reduction to her own benefit would be based on her age when she filed for her benefit. However, her reduction to the spousal benefit would be based on her age when Joe filed for his benefit. So, if Julie filed when she was 62, her own benefit would be reduced.
How old do you have to be to qualify for Medicare?
The child must be under age 16 or disabled before age 22, and entitled to benefits. Your spouse also can qualify for Medicare at age 65. See Retirement Benefits: Benefits For Your Spouse for more information.
Can my spouse get Medicare at age 62?
Your spouse may be able to get benefits if he or she is at least age 62 and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits. We also will pay benefits to your spouse at any age if there is a child in his or her care. The child must be under age 16 or disabled before age 22, and entitled to benefits. Your spouse also can qualify for Medicare at age 65.
How long do you have to be married to collect spousal benefits?
You qualify for spousal benefits if: Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits. You have been married for at least a year. You are at least 62 (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, in which case the age rule does not apply).
How much of a survivor's Social Security benefit do you get if you have a child?
If the survivor benefit is based on your caring for a child, you receive 75 percent of the deceased’s benefit, regardless of your own age when you file. Keep in mind. Your spousal benefit is not affected by the age at which your husband or wife claimed Social Security benefits.
How much does spousal benefit affect?
Depending on your age upon claiming, spousal benefits can range from 32.5 percent to 50 percent of your husband’s or wife’s primary insurance amount (the retirement benefit to which he or she is entitled at full retirement age, or FRA). Regardless of the amount of the spousal benefit, it does not affect the amount of your mate’s retirement payment.
How old do you have to be to receive survivor benefits?
You are at least age 60, unless you are disabled (then it’s 50) or caring for a child of the deceased who is under 16 or disabled (no age minimum). In most cases, survivor benefits are based on the benefit amount the late spouse was receiving, or was eligible to receive, when he or she died.
Does Social Security increase if late spouse files for FRA?
With survivor benefits, if your late spouse boosted his or her Social Security payment by waiting past FRA to file, your survivor benefit would also increase. Your spousal or survivor benefits may be reduced if you are under full retirement age and continue to work. Social Security is phasing in the FRA increase differently for different types ...
Enrolling in Medicare at 65
If you want to enroll when you are turning 65, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A & B, Part D prescription drug coverage or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. You can also look at adding a Medicare supplement insurance plan to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to help with the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare.
Enrolling in Medicare Part A at 65
Many people who are covered by a spouse’s employer plan choose to either wait to enroll until they lose their spouse’s employer coverage or choose to only enroll in Part A since Part A usually has no premium.
Delaying Medicare Enrollment
Just because you are turning 65, doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get Medicare right now. If you decide that waiting to enroll in Medicare is the best option both financially and in terms of healthcare coverage for you, just follow Medicare’s rules, and you’ll avoid enrollment penalties when you do enroll.
When Would I Enroll If I Delay or Only Take Part A?
If you are able to delay enrolling in either all or part of Medicare, you will have a Special Enrollment Period of eight months that begins when the employer coverage is lost or when your spouse retires. During this time, you’ll be able to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B. You can also enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan.
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What percentage of my spouse's SSDI is paid in 2021?
For example, someone who turns 62 in 2021 would be eligible for 32.9 percent of a spouse’s SSDI amount. If you are divorced and drawing SSDI, your former spouse also may be able to collect benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and your ex is 62 or older and has not remarried. Benefits paid to an ex-spouse do not affect ...
Can you get spousal benefits reduced?
Spousal benefits also can be reduced if you claim them before full retirement age and earn income from work that exceeds Social Security’s earnings limit.
Can disabled children get SSDI?
Minor or disabled children of an SSDI recipient also may be eligible for benefits. Payments to a disabled beneficiary’s spouse and kids are collectively subject to a cap called the family maximum and could be reduced if they exceed it.