Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Spouse?
Whether you are reaching your Full Retirement Age or your spouse has passed away, Social Security has spousal benefits that you may be eligible for. To see what spousal benefits you may be entitled to, read below.
Has your spouse passed away?
If your spouse is no longer living, see the “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Surviving Spouse?” Check out this flowchart. If not, move on to the next question.
Have you been divorced at some point?
If you have been divorced and not remarried, see the “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Divorced Individual?” Check out this flowchart. If you remarried or are currently married, move on to the next question.
Is your spouse entitled to Social Security on their work record?
If your spouse is not eligible for Social Security benefits based on their own work record, you will be unable to claim any benefits. If your spouse is entitled to Social Security, move on to the next question.
Are you 62 or older and have been married for at least one year?
If so, you can collect 50% of your spouse’s benefits or your own benefits, whichever is greater. If you are younger than 62 or have been married for less than one year, you may still be eligible for benefits, but there are several more requirements.
Collecting spousal Social Security benefits is complicated, and there are a lot of different requirements. Check out this flowchart to learn more.
If you would like to schedule a call to talk about the best strategies for Social Security, please give us a call at 303-440-2906 or click here to schedule a time to speak with us.
Robert J. Pyle, CFP®, CFA is president of Diversified Asset Management, Inc. (DAMI). DAMI is licensed as an investment adviser with the State of Colorado Division of Securities, and its investment advisory representatives are licensed by the State of Colorado. DAMI will only transact business in other states to the extent DAMI has made the requisite notice filings or obtained the necessary licensing in such state. No follow up or individualized responses to persons in other jurisdictions that involve either rendering or attempting to render personalized investment advice for compensation will be made absent compliance with applicable legal requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. It does not constitute investment or tax advice. To contact Robert, call 303-440-2906 or e-mail info@diversifiedassetmanagement.com.
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