What Are the Benefit Amounts a Spouse May Be Entitled to Receive?

A spouse receives 50% of the retired worker’s full benefit unless the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age.  In that case, the amount of the spouse’s benefit is reduced by a percentage based on the number of months before he/she reaches full retirement age.

For example, based on the full retirement age of 66, if a spouse begins collecting benefits:

• At age 65, the benefit amount would be about 46 percent of the retired worker’s full benefit;
• At age 64, it would be about 42 percent;
• At age 63, 37.5 percent; and
• At age 62, 35 percent.

However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is either under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits, a spouse gets full benefits, regardless of age.

If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we will always pay you benefits based on your record first.  If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you will receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse’s benefits.

One Response to “What Are the Benefit Amounts a Spouse May Be Entitled to Receive?”

1. Pam Carlile says:

   January 28, 2011 at 2:39 am

   Can I collect my spouse’s benefit at age 63 and then switch to my own benefits at age 66 ?

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