Spouse Benefits
How Do I Receive the Lump-sum Death Payment after a Relative Dies?
A lump-sum death benefit of $255 may be paid upon the death of a person who has worked long enough to be insured under the Social Security program. The lump-sum death benefit can be paid upon the death of the insured person even if they were not receiving retirement or disability benefits at the time [...]
If a Spouse Collects 50% of Her Husband’s Benefit Does That Reduce the Husband’s Benefit?
No. The receipt of spouse’s benefits by a husband or wife does not reduce the benefit of the primary wage earner. Share this:EmailFacebookRedditStumbleUpon
Can I Delay My Retirement Benefits and Receive Benefits as a Spouse Only? How Does That Affect Me?
It depends on your age. If you are between full age retirement and age 70, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can choose to file and receive benefits on just your spouse’s Social Security record and delay filing for benefits on your own record up until age 70; or If you are full [...]
How Much Money Can a Divorced Spouse Receive?
A person who is divorced after at least 10 years of marriage keeps certain benefit rights on their former spouse’s Social Security record. In order to get benefits, a divorced spouse must be at least age 62 and the former spouse must be eligible for benefits, but not necessarily receiving them. The maximum benefit is 50% of the [...]
My Spouse Recently Died. Are Our Children, Ages 11 and 14, Eligible for Social Security Benefits?
Possibly. It depends on whether he or she had enough work credits to be insured. If so, your children may be eligible for benefits. Apply for survivors benefits promptly because benefits are generally retroactive only up to 6 months. You can apply by calling Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of [...]
What Are the Requirements for a Survivor to Receive Social Security Benefits?
To receive survivors benefits, the deceased worker must have earned the required number of Social Security credits. Survivors also must meet the following requirements: A widow or widower may be able to receive full benefits at full retirement age or reduced as early as age 50. A widow or widower can receive benefits at any age if [...]
How Long Must I Be Married to Collect Benefits When a Spouse Dies?
Generally, a person can qualify for widow’s or widower’s benefits if he or she was married to the deceased worker for at least nine months just before the worker died. However, you do not need to be married to the worker for any specific length of time if: You are the mother or father of [...]
I Have Never Worked but My Spouse Has. What Will My Benefits Be?
You can be entitled to as much as one-half of your spouse’s benefit amount when you reach full retirement age. However, your spouse must file for benefits before you can begin receiving them on his or her record. If you begin to get Social Security retirement benefits before you reach full retirement age, the amount [...]
I Am a Divorced Spouse. Can I Receive Benefits on My Ex-spouse’s Record?
If you are age 62 or older, you may qualify for benefits on your former spouse’s record if: Your marriage lasted at least 10 years; and You are not currently married; and Your ex-spouse is entitled to benefits. If the ex-spouse is not entitled to benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits if: Your [...]
How Does a Divorced Spouse Qualify for Benefits?
A person can receive benefits as a divorced spouse on a former spouse’s Social Security record if he or she: Was married to the former spouse for at least 10 years; Is at least age 62 years old; Is unmarried; and Is not entitled to a higher Social Security benefit on his or her own [...]