Benefits Planner: Retirement 


Benefits For Your Spouse 
Even if you have never worked under Social Security , you may be able to get spouse s retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years of age and your spouse is receiving retirement or disability benefits. You can also qualify for Medicare at age 65. If you are divorced , you may still be able to get benefits on your ex - spouse's record. For information on the requirements for Divorced Spouse's Benefits , read " If You Are Divorced You can receive the spouse's benefit no matter what your age is if you are caring for their child who is also receiving benefits. 

How Much Will I Receive? 
If you qualify and apply for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse , we always pay your own benefits first. 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. If you begin receiving benefits : between age 62 and your full retirement age , the amount will be permanently reduced by a percentage based on the number of months up to your full retirement age. If you are under full retirement age and you continue to work while receiving benefits , your benefits may be affected by the retirement earnings test. at your full retirement age , your benefit as a spouse cannot exceed one - half of your spouse's full retirement amount. If you were born before January 2 , 1954 and have already reached full retirement age , you can choose to receive only the spouse s benefit and delay receiving your retirement benefit until a later date. If your spouse is full retirement age and applying for spouse s benefits only , they can apply online by using the retirement application. Your spouse can also contact us to schedule an appointment. If your spouse s birthday is January 2 , 1954 or later , the option to take only one benefit at full retirement age no longer exists. If your spouse files for one benefit , they will be effecti

user: I need help with applying for my retirement benefits.

assistant: I'll be happy to help you apply.

user: Thanks. I've never worked under Social Security. Can I still qualify for benefits?

assistant: Yes. If you are at least 62 years of age and your spouse receives retirement or disability benefits, you may qualify for spouse's retirement benefits.

user: I'm deaf. Do you all have a TTY number I can call, if I have more questions?

assistant: Absolutely. You can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.

user: Does it matter that my wife will be applying for her retirement benefits at the same time as I do?

assistant: In that case, we would also check your eligibility for spousal benefits.

user: What if she starts receiving her benefits before I get mine?

assistant: We would still check your eligibility for spousal benefits and if you are eligible, your application would automatically serve as a request for these benefits.

user: What are the next steps after I apply?

assistant: You could find out if members of your family are eligible for benefits. Are you interested in this information?

user: Yes, this information would be helpful.

assistant: This information can be very important for you, because members of your family could qualify for benefits on your record, even if you do not qualify for benefits on someone else's record.