Can I delay spousal benefits?
Asked by: Elinor Wilderman | Last update: December 25, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (67 votes)
While the best age to claim spousal benefits is a personal decision, you can't claim these benefits before age 62. If you opt for sometime after reaching age 62 and before your full retirement age, you're likely to see your benefits reduced. And if you wait until after your full retirement age, benefits won't increase.
Can a spouse switch to spousal benefits later?
If you claim your regular Social Security benefit before your higher-earning spouse does, you have the option of switching to spousal benefits at a later date when (or after) your spouse decides to file.
What are the rules for spousal benefits?
You're eligible for spousal benefits if you're married, divorced, or widowed, and your spouse is or was eligible for Social Security. Spouses and ex-spouses generally are eligible for up to half of the spouse's benefits. Widows and widowers can receive up to 100%.
Can I get spousal benefits if I am still working?
It is possible to work and receive spousal benefits at the same time. But if you are younger than your FRA, your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than the SSA's yearly earnings limit.
When can I apply for spousal Social Security benefits?
You are eligible for benefits both as a retired worker and as a spouse (or divorced spouse) in the first month you want your benefits to begin, then: Deemed filing applies at age 62 and extends to full retirement age and beyond.
Spousal Social Security Benefit Strategies - When to Delay, When to Begin
Can I take spousal Social Security and delay my own?
No, if you turn age 62 on or after January 2, 2016, you are required to file for both your own retirement and for any benefits you are due as a spouse, no matter what age you are.
What is the Social Security spousal benefit loophole for 2024?
A Social Security spousal rule that was around for decades ended this year for the last eligible retirees — those who turned 70 on Jan. 1, 2024. The rule allowed recipients to switch between their benefits and their spouses' to receive the maximum amount. But unless you were born before Jan.
Can you be denied spousal benefits?
However, if the wage earner lives or lived in a state that does not recognize your legal relationship (marriage, civil union, registered domestic partnership), you will likely be denied benefits if you apply.
Can my partner stay if I'm on benefits?
There are no set rules about how often or how long someone can stay. Some people think there is a limit of 3 nights a week. This is not true. But if the DWP thinks someone has started living with you, this could affect your benefits.
How do I know if I am eligible for spousal benefits?
In general, you may be eligible if you are married, divorced or widowed and your spouse was eligible for benefits. Those who apply for spousal benefits must have been married for at least one year. Your spouse must also have begun receiving Social Security benefits — unless you are widowed.
How much will I get for spousal benefits?
The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's retirement benefit at their FRA. If the maximum spousal benefit is greater than your retirement benefit at your FRA, you may be eligible for a spousal benefit.
Do spousal benefits reduce my benefits?
No, receiving benefits on your spouse's earnings record does not affect the amount of the retirement or disability benefit that your spouse receives.
Is spousal benefits considered income?
If your combined taxable income is less than $32,000, you won't have to pay taxes on your spousal benefits. If your income is between $32,000 and $44,000, you would have to pay taxes on up to 50% of your benefits. If your household income is greater than $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxed. 1.
Can spousal benefits be delayed?
If you choose to receive your spouse's benefits before you reach full retirement age, your payment will be permanently reduced. Your spouse may have postponed or plan to postpone their retirement to increase their monthly benefit amount by earning delayed retirement credits.
How do I change from spousal benefit to own benefit?
To make the switch from a survivor benefit to your own retirement benefit, which will reach its highest amount at age 70, you may either apply online at SSA.GOV or make an appointment with your local office to apply in person.
When can an ex spouse claim spousal benefits?
The 10 Year Rule. You must have been married to your ex for at least 10 years if you want to claim their Social Security benefits.
Will I lose my pip if I move in with my partner?
If you are receiving Income-Related ESA, you might lose most or all of it if your partner works 24 hours a week or more. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is not means-tested. PIP is not affected by who you live with.
How many nights is considered cohabitation?
Cohabitation is living together or even if he has not moved in completely, basically is there every night if not most nights and has many of his belongings in the house.
Can I get benefits if I am separated from my husband?
Many people who divorce are unaware of the fact that, despite the dissolution of their marriage, they may be entitled to collect Social Security spousal benefits based on a former wife's or husband's earnings record.
When should my wife apply for spousal benefits?
/ (You must be at least age 62 to begin receiving benefits.)
A spouse can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a benefit as little as 32.5 percent of the worker's primary insurance amount.
What benefits will I lose if I get married?
If you get Social Security disability or retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. However, other benefits such as SSI, Survivors, Divorced Spouses, and Child's benefits may be affected.
Do you get back pay for spousal benefits?
Social Security spousal benefits are available to people whose spouses paid into the Social Security system, even if they never did themselves. If spouses wait past their full retirement age to apply, they may be eligible for up to six months' worth of retroactive benefits, in the form of a lump-sum payment.
What is the spousal loophole?
An ex-spouse may be eligible for spousal benefits based on the earning record of their former spouse even if that former spouse has remarried. This is a major social security spousal benefit and loophole you need to know now.
What is a restricted application for spousal benefits?
* A restricted application allows one spouse to claim (typically lower) spousal benefits while allowing his or her own benefit to grow through delayed retirement credits until some future age. With these changes, you may think you don't have as many planning options regarding how to claim your Social Security benefits.
Can I receive spousal benefits if I have a pension?
We reduce your spouse's or surviving spouse's benefits if you also get a retirement or disability pension based on your federal, state, or local government work not covered by Social Security.