Spousal Benefits

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Can I collect a spousal benefit while my own retirement benefit grows?

Full question: If I apply for Social Security at FRA, can I get half of my wife’s Social Security and let mine grow? She is 6 years older. Hi there, Unfortunately no, you cannot claim a spousal benefit and later switch to your own retirement benefit. When you apply for benefits, the SSA looks at…

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How do I switch from spousal benefits to my own retirement benefit on the webiste?

Hi there, I am assuming you are asking about switching from a survivor benefit (based on your deceased spouse’s earnings record), not a spousal benefit (based on your living spouse’s earnings record.) If your own retirement benefit is a greater amount than the survivor amount, you should contact your local SSA office to make this…

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Is there any risk to being separated, but not divorced?

Full question: My spouse and I have been separated for 20 years but not legally divorced. I am planning on applying for my Social Security benefits soon, I am still working but at full retirement age, almost 69 actually. Is there any risk because we are still legally married? Hi there, No, there is no…

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Will SSA send a copy of my ex-spouse’s XML earning statement?

Original question: Ex-spouse needs her husbands XML earning statement, but they don’t talk to each other. Will Social Security send her a copy of the earning statement? Hi there, We often get questions about this topic. SSA will usually not provide the earnings record, but the ex-spouse is entitled to know their ex’s primary insurance…

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Is entitlement of a young spouse with a child in care precluded if the young spouse is divorced?

Hi there, No it is not. The child-in-care spousal benefit is available for a young ex-spouse (less than age 62) if: -They were married at least 10 years, -The applicant is currently unmarried, -They are caring for the claimant’s minor child (under age 16) or disabled adult child, -Their former spouse is eligible for Social…

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Will I be required to apply for my Social Security benefits when I become eligible?

Original question: Will I be forced to apply for my own SS retirement benefits when I become eligible even though I am receiving SS Spousal benefits at the time? Hi there, You can only collect the higher of the benefits you are eligible to receive when when you apply. So if you are currently collecting…

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