Can you collect Social Security for yourself and your spouse?

En español | Technically, yes, you can receive both spousal benefits and your own retirement payment. That’s because when you are eligible for two kinds of benefit, Social Security does not combine them but rather compares one to the other. If your retirement benefit is higher, you receive that amount.

Does my wife get her own Social Security?

If you do have enough credits to qualify for your own Social Security benefits and you apply for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first.

How much does my spouse get from Social Security?

At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $250 retirement benefit, and we will add $150 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $400. Keep in mind that you may have options to increase your benefit amounts.

How does my spouse’s earnings affect my social security?

Each [&spouse&] [&can&] claim their [&own&] retirement benefit [&based&] solely on their individual [&earnings&] history. You [&can&] both collect your full amounts at the same time. However, your [&spouse&]’[&s&] [&earnings&] could affect the overall amount you get from [&Social&] [&Security&], if you receive [&spousal&] benefits.

What’s the difference between spouses Social Security benefits and 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.

Can You claim spouses income on SSI if you are not married?

Do not include income from a spouse’s IRA or company pension. Then you are allowed to take certain deductions to give you your countable income for SSI, just as you would if you weren’t married.