Social Security spousal benefits
How spouse benefits are calculated, when a husband or wife should file, and how spousal and personal benefits interact.
Spousal benefits: questions and answers
74 questions answered · page 1 of 3
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I Worked for my Ex-husband but Wasn’t Paid and Now Have little Social Security; What are my options?
Worked unpaid for your ex-husband and have little Social Security? Learn how ex-spouse benefits and assistance programs could help boost your income.
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When Should My Wife File for Spouse Benefits?
Be aware that your wife's spousal SS benefit will be based on her age when she claims it, and half of your full retirement age, or "FRA," amount.
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Can My Spouse File at 63 and Then Get Half of Mine When I Later Claim?
If your spouse’s FRA entitlement is less than half of your FRA entitlement, your spouse will get a “spousal boost” to bring his monthly retirement payment up.
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Should I Claim Spouse Benefits Now, or my Own SS Benefit?
My husband is already taking his SS benefits, so I have also wondered if it be advisable to take spousal benefits or full benefits.
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When Should My Wife Claim Social Security?
Assuming her life expectancy is at least average, that is how your wife would get the most cumulative Social Security benefits over her lifetime.
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Why Can’t I get a Lump Sum Death Benefit from my Wife?
Although we often see assertions that the so-called “one-time lump sum death benefit” is always paid, there are specific rules for when that admittedly small SS benefit is available.
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Social Security Spousal Benefits: What Living Spouses May Be Missing
A free webinar explains Social Security spousal benefits, helping couples understand eligibility and maximize monthly payments.
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I Lost Money as a Widow and Ex-spouse by Not Knowing the Rules
I Lost Money as a Widow and Ex-spouse by Not Knowing the Rules - Ask Rusty
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Social Security for Divorced Spouses
Divorce is frequently traumatic and sometimes acrimonious, but emotions are absent from Social Security’s rules governing benefits for divorced spouses.
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When to Apply for Social Security Spouse Benefits
We always suggest that each couple evaluate their claiming options considering their spousal benefit as well as their SS retirement benefit.
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I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband?
I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband? - Ask Rusty
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Why Didn’t My Friend’s Wife Get All Her SS Immediately?
Why Didn’t My Friend’s Wife Get All Her SS Immediately? - Ask Rusty
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My Wife Believes She Can Get a Spouse Benefit While I’m Still Alive; Can She?
My Wife Believes She Can Get a Spouse Benefit While I’m Still Alive; Can She? - Ask Rusty
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About Remarrying and Benefits from an Ex-spouse
About Remarrying and Benefits from an Ex-spouse - Ask Rusty
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Should my Spouse be getting half of my Social Security amount?
Should my Spouse be getting half of my Social Security amount? - Ask Rusty
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Can I Claim My Own SS Benefit Now and Get Half of My Husband’s Benefit Later?
Can I Claim My Own SS Benefit Now and Get Half of My Husband’s Benefit Later? - Ask Rusty
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Can My Wife Get Her Full Spousal Benefit at 62, or Must She Wait?
Can My Wife Get Her Full Spousal Benefit at 62, or Must She Wait? – Ask Rusty
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Why Can’t I Get My Social Security Payment Plus My Railroad Pension From My Ex-spouse?
Why Can’t I Get My Social Security Payment Plus My Railroad Pension From My Ex-spouse? - Ask Rusty
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Can My Husband Work Part Time and Collect Social Security?
Can My Husband Work Part Time and Collect Social Security? - Ask Rusty
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Should Octogenarians Tell Social Security They Married?
Ask Rusty – Should Octogenarians Tell Social Security They Married?
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About “Survivor” Benefits vs. “Spousal” Benefits
Ask Rusty – About “Survivor” Benefits vs. “Spousal” Benefits
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Why Can’t I Get Social Security Disability on My Own or My Husband’s Record?
Ask Rusty – Why Can’t I Get Social Security Disability on My Own or My Husband’s Record?
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Why Should a Non-working Spouse be Entitled to Social Security Benefits?
Ask Rusty - Why Should a Non-working Spouse be Entitled to Social Security Benefits?
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Will My Wife’s Benefit Change My Claiming Decision?
Ask Rusty – Will My Wife’s Benefit Change My Claiming Decision?
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When Is My Wife Eligible for Full Survivor Benefits?
Ask Rusty – When Is My Wife Eligible for Full Survivor Benefits?
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Octogenarian Asks About Wife’s Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Ask Rusty – Octogenarian Asks About Wife’s Spousal and Survivor Benefits
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Veteran Asks About Disability and Ex-Spouse Benefits
Ask Rusty – Veteran Asks About Disability and Ex-Spouse Benefits
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Surviving Spouse Benefits Explained
Ask Rusty – Surviving Spouse Benefits Explained
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About the “Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits Only”
Ask Rusty – About the “Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits Only”
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Military Wife Turning 65 Seeks Information About Medicare
Ask Rusty - Military Wife Turning 65 Seeks Information About Medicare