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: Good morning. I'm trying to get into the retirement matter. I've already read some info, but i would like to know what else can do?

assistant: Good morning. Don't know if you know already, but aside of you, your family members can qualify for benefits based on your record.

assistant: Are you interested to know more about this?

user: Yeah, i would like to know more about it.

assistant: Excellent. Then you'll need to check our documentation and look for the Benefits for your family section. If you don't have any children or are not even married, then you should check the How to apply for retirement benefits or medicare section.

user: Ok. i'll get into it. Now, can i apply for these benefits even if i'm outside the U.S?

assistant: Sure, no problem with that. All you need to do is to contact the nearest U.S Social Security office, or go to your nearest U.S Embassy or consulate.

user: Soryy to ask, but what was that section you mentioned in case to be never married?

assistant: Yeah, don't worry. That would be How to apply for retirement benefits or medicare section.

user: Thanks, i got it now. Oh, another thing. I was told that even if  i never worked, i could get some benefit from spouse, is that true?

assistant: Sure you can. Only need to be 62 and your spouse to be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also , you can qualify for medicare at 65.