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: Hello there. I was looking into some info about retirement benefits. I came up with some info already, but I would like to know what could be the next steps now.

assistant: No problem. You'll have to wait, but even if you don't qualify for benefits, some members of your family could qualify for benefits on your record.

assistant: Are you interested in more information about benefits for your family?

user: Yes, i'm interested into knowing more.

assistant: Good. Then you need to go to our section "How to apply for Retirement Benefits or Medicare" to know more.

user: Thanks, i'll keep that in mind and i'll check that out later. Another question, I have never worked for social security. Even so, can i be able to qualify for benefits?

assistant: Sure. You can qualify. You only to be at least age 62 and your spouse be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Oh, and you can also qualify for medicare at age 65.

user: And what can you tell me, if i don't live in the U.S?

assistant: Don't worry, you have an option even in that scenario. You can go to your nearest local Social Security Office, U.S embassy or consulate.

user: Now, lets say i'm already receiving benefits, this fact will affect my spouse's benefits too?

assistant: Not at all. Those benefits paid to you won't decrease your spouse's benefits. In fact, that could help your spouse  to decide if she wants to take her benefits earlier.

user: Thanks. Another thing, please. Could be my benefit amount be reduced if I begin to receive my benefits between age  62 and my full retirement age?

assistant: Certainly, it will. In that case the amount will be permanently reduced by a percentage based on the number of months up to you full retirement age.