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: Hi, I applied for benefits but my application was denied. Are there benefits that members of my family can apply for?

assistant: Yes even if you don't qualify for benefits on someone else's record some of your family may qualify for benefits on your record.

user: How do I go about applying for benefits?

assistant: You can apply in person. All you have to do is visit your local Social Security office. I suggest that you call them first and make an appointment.

user: What is the maximum benefits my family can receive?

assistant: There is a limit to the amount that is paid to family members. The total depends on your spouse's benefit amount and the number of family members who also qualify on the same record. The total varies but generally the total amount you and your family can receive is about 150 to 180 percent of your full retirement benefit.

user: As the main applicant for retirement benefits how much will I receive?

assistant: Benefits paid to your spouse will not decrease your retirement benefits.

user: Where can I find information about benefits for my family?

assistant: Are you interested in finding out about benefits for your family?

user: No I am not.

assistant: Are you married or do you have children?

user: No I have never married and don't have children.

assistant: Well then the benefits for family member don't apply to you.