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Social Security for a Spouse
In this article by Elaine Popejoy, Social Security’s Bloomington (IL) District Manager, the author describes how important it is for a married couple to consider Social Security benefits for both partners. That is especially important for a spouse who was a lower-earning worker who, perhaps, spent part of their career at home caring for family. And in later years, for that same lower-earner if their spouse should predecease them. The article appears in The Pantagraph, and discusses how marriage can affect Social Security benefits. Click here to read more.
Also, if you’re unsure about your individual situation under Social Security or have questions about your personal benefit entitlements, note that the AMAC Foundation provides an independent free-to-the-public Social Security Advisory service to help Americans navigate the complexities of this program. Learn more about it here…
I am retired and on SSDI and 65. My full age for SS is 66.6. Wife is 65 still working FRA is 66.6. Is there a time that the spouse can collect a portion of the others’s SS?
First, for your wife to be eligible for a spousal benefit on your record, 50% of your benefit amount would have to be higher than 100% of the amount of her full retirement age (FRA) benefit amount. If this is the case when she reaches her FRA of 66.6 she will receive a total benefit amount equal to 50% of your benefit. It will be a combination of her own retirement benefit plus the difference. If she claims it before her FRA it will be reduced according to her age and she will also be subject to an earnings limit, which is currently $18,240, and is subject to change each year. In the year she reaches her FRA it increases to $48.600, also subject to change.
Sharon Kleczka RSSA
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation