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

Social Security provides a financial foundation for millions of Americans during retirement. Understanding the various types of benefits available, particularly individual retirement benefits and spousal benefits, is an important part of planning for financial security. Individuals may qualify for more than one type of Social Security benefit, making it valuable to understand how these benefits are determined and how they interact.

Your Own Social Security Benefits and Spousal Benefits

An individual’s Social Security retirement benefit is based on their lifetime earnings. This benefit, the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), is the monthly payment an individual receives if they begin collecting benefits at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). The PIA is calculated using average indexed monthly earnings over their 35 highest-earning years.

A spousal benefit allows an eligible spouse to receive payments based on their partner’s Social Security earnings record. This benefit can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have limited or no work history. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the working spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), based on their PIA at Full Retirement Age.

Spousal benefits are reduced if claimed before the individual’s Full Retirement Age. For instance, claiming spousal benefits at age 62 may result in a payment as low as 32.5% of the working spouse’s PIA. If an individual is eligible for both their own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, they will automatically receive the higher of the two amounts.

Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Benefits

To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, several criteria must be met, primarily revolving around age, marital status, and the earning spouse’s benefit status. Generally, an individual must be at least 62 years old to begin receiving spousal benefits. An exception exists for individuals caring for a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits; in these specific circumstances, spousal benefits can be claimed at any age.

A marriage duration requirement also applies, typically mandating that the couple must have been married for at least one continuous year. Furthermore, the spouse whose earnings record is being used must already be collecting their own Social Security retirement or disability benefits. This means a person cannot claim spousal benefits if their partner has not yet filed for their own benefits, with certain limited exceptions for divorced spouses.

Divorced individuals may also be eligible for spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work record. For divorced spousal benefits, the marriage must have lasted for a minimum of 10 years. The individual claiming benefits must be at least 62 years old and generally unmarried. If the ex-spouse is not yet collecting benefits, the divorce must have been finalized for at least two years for the divorced spouse to claim independently. Importantly, collecting benefits as a divorced spouse does not reduce the ex-spouse’s benefits or those of their current spouse.

When and How Spousal Benefits Interact with Your Own

The “deemed filing” provision governs the ability to “switch” between collecting your own Social Security benefits and spousal benefits. For individuals born on or after January 2, 1954, this rule means that when filing for either their own retirement or spousal benefits, they are automatically deemed to have applied for both simultaneously.

The Social Security Administration will then pay the higher of the two available amounts. For example, if your own retirement benefit is $1,500 and your spousal benefit is $1,200, you will receive $1,500. If your own benefit is $800 and your spousal benefit is $1,000, you will receive $1,000. This rule applies at age 62 and continues through Full Retirement Age and beyond for this cohort.

Historically, a “restricted application” allowed individuals born on or before January 1, 1954, to claim only spousal benefits at their Full Retirement Age while their own retirement benefit continued to grow through Delayed Retirement Credits. This strategy is largely phased out and is not an option for younger cohorts nearing retirement.

One scenario involves withdrawing an application. An individual can withdraw their Social Security benefit application within 12 months of its approval. This requires repaying all benefits received during that period. Withdrawing an application cancels the initial claim, allowing the individual to reapply at a later date, potentially for a higher amount. This option can only be exercised once per lifetime.

Benefits might adjust if an individual claims their own retirement benefit early, and their spouse has not yet filed. The individual receives their own retirement benefit. Once the spouse files, the Social Security Administration evaluates if a spousal benefit is available and if it is higher than the individual’s current retirement benefit. If the spousal benefit is higher, the individual’s payment will be adjusted to reflect that higher amount.

Survivor benefits operate under different rules; the deemed filing rule does not apply. A surviving spouse (or divorced surviving spouse) can claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled). They can later switch to their own retirement benefit if it becomes higher, or vice versa. For example, a widow might claim a reduced survivor benefit at age 60, allowing her own retirement benefit to continue growing until age 70, then switch to her higher, maximized retirement benefit.

How to Apply for Spousal Benefits

It is advisable to apply approximately three to four months before the date you wish for your benefits to begin. This timeframe allows for processing and ensures benefits can start as planned.

When preparing to apply, gather all necessary documents and information. You will need your own Social Security number, as well as your spouse’s (or ex-spouse’s) Social Security number. Other required documents include your birth certificate or other proof of birth, and your marriage certificate. If you are applying as a divorced spouse, a final divorce decree is also necessary.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, if applicable, and W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from the previous year may also be requested. Additionally, providing your bank account information for direct deposit is recommended for secure and timely receipt of payments.

There are three primary methods for submitting an application for spousal benefits. You can apply online through the Social Security Administration’s website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Scheduling an appointment beforehand is advisable to minimize wait times.

After submitting your application, processing times can vary. For retirement applications, the typical processing time ranges from three to five weeks. Survivor benefit applications generally take about two to three months to process. You can check the status of your application online through your “my Social Security” account or by contacting the Social Security Administration by phone.