Qualifying for Spousal Social Security Benefits: Crucial Considerations to Know
Wednesday, 24 April 2024, 10:00
Spousal Social Security Benefits
1. Qualification for Divorcees
- If your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you can qualify for spousal benefits even if divorced.
2. Benefit Caps
- The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the working spouse's primary insurance amount.
3. Age Limitations
- Your spousal benefit maxes out at full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later).
4. Impact on Other Benefits
- Claiming spousal benefits won't affect your spouse or ex-spouse's benefits.
5. Changes in Claiming Strategies
- Restricted applications to switch from spousal to retirement benefits are no longer allowed due to deemed filing rule changes.
Spousal benefits can provide a supplemental income stream for individuals with limited earnings but need careful consideration to compare with personal retirement benefits.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.