Can I Claim My Own Social Security Benefit and Then Switch to Spousal?

Social Security is a federal program providing financial support for retirees, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of deceased workers. Funded by payroll taxes, it functions as social insurance. While not the sole source of income, Social Security plays a significant role in supplementing retirement savings and investments.

Basics of Spousal Social Security Benefits

Spousal Social Security benefits are designed to provide financial support to spouses based on the work record of their husband or wife. These benefits can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have limited or no work history, or who earned significantly less than their spouse. To qualify for spousal benefits, you must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must already be receiving their Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

The amount of a spousal benefit is calculated as a percentage of the higher-earning spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the benefit amount they would receive at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). A spouse can receive up to 50% of the primary earner’s PIA if they claim benefits at their own FRA.

Divorced individuals may also be eligible for spousal benefits under specific conditions. If the marriage lasted for at least 10 years, the divorced spouse is currently unmarried, is at least 62 years old, and their ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security benefits, they may be able to claim benefits. Claiming spousal benefits as a divorced individual does not affect the benefits received by the ex-spouse or their current spouse.

Current Rules for Claiming Your Own and Spousal Benefits

Historically, there were strategies that allowed individuals to claim one type of Social Security benefit and then switch to another, more advantageous benefit later. Two notable strategies were “file and suspend” and “restricted application for spousal benefits.” “File and suspend” permitted a worker to file for their retirement benefits at their Full Retirement Age (FRA) and immediately suspend them, allowing their own benefit to grow while also enabling their spouse to claim spousal benefits. The “restricted application” allowed individuals to claim only spousal benefits at their FRA, letting their own retirement benefits continue to accrue delayed retirement credits until age 70.

These strategies were altered by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. For individuals born on or after January 2, 1954, the “deemed filing” rule applies. This rule means that when you apply for either your own retirement benefit or a spousal benefit, you are automatically deemed to have applied for all benefits you are eligible for at that time. The SSA will pay you the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit.

However, an exception to the deemed filing rule exists for individuals born before January 2, 1954. These individuals may still file a “restricted application for spousal benefits” at their Full Retirement Age. This allows them to claim only spousal benefits while their own retirement benefit continues to grow due to delayed retirement credits, up until age 70.

Factors Influencing Spousal Benefit Amounts

Several factors impact the actual amount an individual receives in spousal Social Security benefits. The claimant’s age when they apply is a determinant. While individuals can begin claiming spousal benefits as early as age 62, doing so results in a permanent reduction in the monthly benefit amount. Claiming at age 62 might lead to a benefit as low as 32.5% to 35% of the primary earner’s PIA, whereas waiting until your own Full Retirement Age (FRA) allows you to receive the maximum spousal benefit, which is up to 50% of your spouse’s PIA.

The primary earner’s benefit amount also directly influences the spousal benefit. The spousal benefit is always linked to the amount the primary earner is receiving or would receive at their FRA. If the primary earner delays claiming their own benefits beyond their FRA, their benefit amount increases, but the maximum spousal benefit remains capped at 50% of their PIA at FRA; it does not increase further.

If an individual is also entitled to Social Security benefits based on their own work record, the spousal benefit will interact with their own entitlement. For instance, if your own retirement benefit is $800 and your spousal benefit would be $1,000, you would receive the $1,000. Conversely, if your own benefit is $1,200 and the spousal benefit is $1,000, you would receive your own $1,200 benefit.

Applying for Spousal Benefits

You can apply for Social Security spousal benefits online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by calling their national toll-free service, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.

Common documents required include your birth certificate or other proof of birth, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if not born in the United States, and your marriage certificate. If you are applying as a divorced spouse, your final divorce decree is also necessary.

The SSA may also request W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from the previous year, and U.S. military discharge papers if you had military service before 1968.