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 effectively filing for all retirement o

user: can you help me apply for retirement benefits?

assistant: Yes, I can help you apply for benefits.

user: do I need to do something different when I apply because my husband is already getting benefits?

assistant: In that situation we will check your eligibility for benefits as a spouse. If you are qualified, your application will automatically serve as a request for spousal benefits

user: so I must qualify before getting married benefits?

assistant: If you qualify, your application will automatically serve as a request for spousal benefits.

user: does any of this mean that my husband's benefits will get smaller because I'm qualified and taking some of that for myself?

assistant: Your husband's retirement benefit will not decrease.

user: where can I look for more information on family members that may qualify for benefits?

assistant: Did you want links to other resources on benefits for the family?

user: yes I do, but only if they can qualify

assistant: Even if you do not qualify for benefits on someone else's record some members of your family may qualify for benefits on your record

user: what happens if I qualify with my husband but it is a lower benefit than I would have gotten on my own?

assistant: We always pay your own benefits first and you will get the higher amount