Spousal Benefits: Applying for Social Security Benefits
March 5, 2010
Q: Can a spouse collect on her husband’s social security if she reaches retirement age before her husband?
A: No. In order for a wife to collect Social Security benefits on her husband’s earnings, the following requirements must be met:
- The wife must be at least age 62
- The husband must be eligible for benefits, so he must also be at least age 62. In addition, the husband must actually apply for Social Security retirement benefits in order for his wife to collect based on his earnings. The husband can then choose to delay collecting benefits. This strategy is referred to as “file and suspend”.
To give you an example, if the wife is 62 and the husband is 58, the wife can start collecting benefits based on her own earnings, but she can not collect based on her husband’s earnings until he turns 62 and applies for benefits.
How to Apply For Social Security
July 9, 2009
You’re getting ready to retire and you’ve made the decision to start collecting your Social Security retirement benefits. What’s the next step? You need to actually apply for your benefits (they aren’t automatic).
Probably one of the most common Social Security questions is how to apply for Social Security benefits. There are three ways to apply for Social Security:
1. You can apply online at www.SocialSecurity.gov. However, at this time you can not apply for Social Security survivor benefits online.
2. You can call 800-772-1213 to apply for benefits.
3. Or you can visit an office in person if you want to talk to an employee face to face. To find the closest office, visit the website at SocialSecurity.gov.
You will need to provide several pieces of information in order for your application to be processed: