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ArchTx Edo · 08-30-2009, 12:49 PM

AARP magazine had a good article this month on Social Security Spousal Benefits.

One of the most overlooked and little used benefits is the Spousal Benefit. Many people who do not qualify for anything or much from Social Security based on their own work record, can still qualify for Spousal Benefits based on their spouses work record.

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Answer

Question

My wife doesn't have enough work to qualify for Social Security or Medicare. Can she qualify on my record?

Answer

The question you've raised applies to husbands as well as wives. Even if he or she has never worked under Social Security, your spouse at full retirement age can receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount. (If your spouse will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government foreign employment, the amount of his or her Social Security benefits on your record may be reduced. Take a look at the fact sheet, Government Pension Offset for more information.)

Your spouse can begin collecting the benefits as early as age 62, but the amount will be permanently reduced by a percentage based on the number of months up to his or her full retirement age. Your spouse who is caring for your child who is also receiving benefits can receive the full one-half benefit amount no matter what his or her age is. Your spouse would receive these benefits until the child reaches age 16. At that time, the child's benefits continue, but your spouse's benefits stop unless he or she is old enough to receive retirement benefits (age 62 or older) or survivor benefits as a widow or widower (age 60).

If your spouse has also worked under Social Security--If your spouse is eligible for retirement benefits on his or her own record, we will always pay that amount first. But if the spouse benefit on your record is a higher amount, he or she will get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. It doesn't matter if your spouse starts getting benefits before, after, or at the same time you do--we will check both records to make sure that your spouse gets the higher amount whenever he or she becomes entitled to it.

NOTE: A spouse cannot begin receiving benefits until the number holder is receiving benefits.

Social Security website FAQ - Spousal Benefits

You can apply for retirement or spousal benefits online Applying for Social Security Benefits - Welcome

Khamon · 08-31-2009, 12:24 AM

When my grandmother was in her seventies, this was in the late eighties, the IRS discovered that they'd misfiled her SSN on income generated when she owned an adult sitter training and placement service. By the time her appointment rolled around, they'd also discovered that they'd been paying too little survivor benefit all the time my grandfather had been dead. She ended up with a check for several thousand dollars in arrears. They even paid her some interest.

Camille Serpentine · 08-31-2009, 08:13 AM

My mom worked her whole life as a nursery school teacher and parttime in a department store. Her benefits are negligible even though she's fully disabled. When my dad was able to file for benefits, her benefits increased dramatically because of his.

Gigs · 08-31-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khamon

When my grandmother was in her seventies, this was in the late eighties, the IRS discovered that they'd misfiled her SSN on income generated

Related: If you ever have to file a substitute W-2 because you worked for some kind of irresponsible employer, then you need to tell the social security people separately so they count the SS withholdings right.

Pamela Galli · 09-25-2009, 01:51 AM

Unless you have been a school teacher. Then, if you did not pay into SS personally, you essentially get nada on your spouse's record.

Cause teachers are special.

08-31-2009, 12:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Khamon BUY TREES MOAR1 Iz a timeout Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 4,819 My Mood: SLShopper Ads: 2 SL Join Date: November, 2003 Business: Fate Gardens Flowers and Trees	When my grandmother was in her seventies, this was in the late eighties, the IRS discovered that they'd misfiled her SSN on income generated when she owned an adult sitter training and placement service. By the time her appointment rolled around, they'd also discovered that they'd been paying too little survivor benefit all the time my grandfather had been dead. She ended up with a check for several thousand dollars in arrears. They even paid her some interest. __________________ But of bliss and glad life there is little to be said, before it ends; as works fair and wonderful, while still they endure for eyes to see, are their own record, and only when they are in peril or broken for ever do they pass into song. - Quenta Silmarillion Please Visit Our Gardens and Our Website

09-25-2009, 01:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
Pamela Galli Senior Member Refugee Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 296 My Mood: SLShopper Ads: 1 SL Join Date: 11-12-2007 Business: La Galleria	Unless you have been a school teacher. Then, if you did not pay into SS personally, you essentially get nada on your spouse's record. Cause teachers are special. __________________ Have a dinner party! Cook it in your kitchen and serve it in your dining room! LA GALLERIA

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08-31-2009, 08:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
Camille Serpentine Reaming your prims Screwing your scripts Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 579 My Mood: Farm Hustle Champion! Fast Food Fiasco Champion! SL Join Date: October 2003 Blog Entries: 1	My mom worked her whole life as a nursery school teacher and parttime in a department store. Her benefits are negligible even though she's fully disabled. When my dad was able to file for benefits, her benefits increased dramatically because of his.

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