By Warren Beck | Social Security District Manager in Syracuse
Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information and tools that support you through life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to get benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits as a spouse. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their record. If your spouse does not receive retirement or disability, you’ll have to wait to apply on your spouse’s record.
In addition, to be eligible for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following:
• 62 years of age or older.
• Any age if you have a child who is younger than 16 in your care or has a disability and is entitled to benefits on your spouse’s record.
If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to one-half the amount your spouse receives. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement age, but care for a child and one of the following applies:
• The child is younger than age 16.
• The child has a disability and is entitled to benefits on your spouse’s record.
If you receive retirement on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own benefit, you will get a combination of benefits that equals the higher spouse’s benefit.
Consider this example: Sandy is eligible for a monthly retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. If she waits for Social Security until her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250 a month. Sandy only gets an additional spouse’s benefit because her own benefit is less than half her spouse’s full retirement age benefit.
Want to apply for either your retirement or your spouse’s benefits or both? Are you at least 61 years and 9 months old? If you answer yes to both, visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to get started today.
Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. For more information, please visit our website at www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html.
Q&A
Q: My same-sex partner and I recently married. Will we be eligible for Social Security benefits?
A: You or your spouse could be eligible for benefits, or a higher benefit amount, based on your marital relationship. Many factors affect your eligibility for benefits, including how long you worked and your age. You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply, by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or contacting your local Social Security office. We encourage you to apply for benefits right away, even if you are not sure if you are eligible. Applying now will protect you against the loss of any potential benefits. Learn more about Social Security for same-sex couples by visiting www.ssa.gov/people/lgbtq/couples.htm.
Q: I’m 17 and eager to start my first summer job, but my mother misplaced my Social Security card. How can I get another?
A: If you know your Social Security number, you may not need to get a replacement card to obtain employment. However, if a prospective employer requests it, you can get a replacement Social Security card by following the steps below. There is no charge for a Social Security card, but you are limited to three per calendar year and 10 replacement cards during your lifetime. Your parent can:
• Use our online “Social Security Number Card” application at www.ssa.gov//number-card/replace-card and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply. Your parent can start the application online and complete the process in a local Social Security office or card center, usually in less time.
• Fill out and print an “Application for a Social Security Card” if they are not able to complete it online.
• Take or mail your application and original or certified documents proving your identity to your local Social Security office or card center.
For more information, read our pamphlet, Your Social Security Number and Card at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf.
Q: I’m reaching my full retirement age and thinking about retiring early next year. When is the best time of year to apply for Social Security benefits?
A: You can apply as early as four months before you want your monthly benefits to begin. To apply, just go to www.ssa.gov/apply. Applying online for retirement benefits from the convenience of your home or office is secure and can take as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy!