How do I know if I am eligible for spousal benefits?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Apr 10, 2026
You qualify for spousal benefits if: Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits. You have been married for at least a year. You are at least 62 (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, in which case the age rule does not apply).
When can spouse collect spousal benefits?
age 62
You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, but you won’t receive as much as if you wait until your own full retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is 67 and you choose to claim spousal benefits at 62, you’d receive a benefit that’s equal to 32.5% of your spouse’s full benefit amount.
How do I claim spousal benefits?
Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse’s or Divorced Spouse’s Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.
What do you need to know about Social Security spousal benefits?
If you’re married, to qualify for spousal benefits you must: Be married for at least one year Have a spouse that is already collecting their Social Security benefits Have an earned benefit that is lower than your potential spousal benefit
How can a spouse get benefits when his or her spouse collects disability?
How a Spouse Can Get Benefits When His or Her Spouse Collects Disability Spouses married for at least a year, divorced spouses who were married at least 10 years, and surviving spouses can be entitled to benefits. Spouse’s Retirement Benefit Spouse’s Survivors Benefit Divorced Spouse’s Retirement Benefit Divorced Spouse’s Survivors Benefit
When is the younger spouse eligible for spousal benefits?
As the older spouse has not filed yet, spousal benefits are not available yet so the younger spouse gets his/her own benefit amount. When the older spouse files for benefits the younger spouse will become eligible for a spousal benefit, but because the younger spouse filed early (before they reached their FRA)…
Can a spouse collect Social Security on their own work record?
You can collect benefits on a spouse’s work record regardless of whether you also worked. If your own retirement benefit is lower than your spousal benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher amount. To qualify for survivor benefits, you must have been: