Can I Switch From My Social Security Benefit to a Spousal Benefit?

Social Security provides a framework of benefits designed to support individuals and families, and among these are spousal benefits. Many people receiving their own Social Security retirement benefits or approaching eligibility often consider whether they can transition to a spousal benefit. This inquiry typically arises when a spouse’s earnings record might offer a different or potentially higher benefit amount. This article clarifies the conditions under which an individual can claim Social Security spousal benefits, including how these benefits are determined and the application process.

Eligibility for Spousal Benefits

Social Security spousal benefits are designed for individuals whose spouse has a qualifying work record. The spouse on whose record benefits are claimed must be receiving their own retirement or disability benefits. An applicant must be at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits. An exception exists if the applicant is caring for a child under the age of 16 or a child who is disabled.

For current spouses, the marriage must have lasted for at least one continuous year. Divorced individuals can also qualify for spousal benefits if their marriage lasted for at least 10 years, they are currently unmarried, and they are at least 62 years old. For divorced spouses, the ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits, but does not necessarily need to be actively collecting them if the divorce occurred at least two years prior.

Conditions for Changing Benefits

The ability to “switch” from one’s own Social Security benefit to a spousal benefit is determined by an individual’s birth date. For those born on or after January 2, 1954, the “deemed filing” rule applies. This rule mandates that when an individual applies for either their own retirement benefit or a spousal benefit, they are automatically considered to have applied for both simultaneously. Social Security then pays the higher of the two benefit amounts, effectively preventing them from claiming one benefit while allowing the other to grow.

This means individuals in this birth cohort cannot strategically claim only spousal benefits to allow their own retirement benefits to accrue Delayed Retirement Credits. The Social Security Administration will calculate both potential benefits and automatically provide the higher payment.

A different situation exists for individuals born on or before January 1, 1954. This group may still have the option to file a “restricted application.” This strategy allows them to apply specifically for spousal benefits at their Full Retirement Age (FRA), while permitting their own retirement benefit to continue growing. Their own benefit can accrue Delayed Retirement Credits until age 70, potentially resulting in a substantially higher monthly payment later.

Calculating Your Spousal Benefit

The amount of a Social Security spousal benefit is directly tied to the higher-earning spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The PIA represents the benefit an individual would receive if they began collecting retirement benefits at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). The maximum spousal benefit an individual can receive is 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s PIA, assuming the claiming individual also collects at their own FRA.

Claiming spousal benefits before one’s Full Retirement Age will result in a permanent reduction of the monthly payment. For instance, claiming spousal benefits at age 62 can reduce the amount to as low as 32.5% of the higher-earning spouse’s PIA. The reduction rate is approximately 25/36 of one percent for each month benefits are claimed before FRA, up to 36 months, with further reductions for additional early months.

Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) are not earned on spousal benefits, meaning there is no financial advantage to delaying a spousal benefit application past one’s own FRA. The Social Security Administration has a family maximum benefit rule, which limits the total amount of benefits that can be paid on a single worker’s earnings record. This maximum typically ranges between 150% and 188% of the worker’s PIA, depending on the type of benefits. While the worker’s own benefit is not reduced by this rule, the benefits of other family members, including a spouse, may be adjusted proportionately if the total exceeds the family maximum. Social Security will always pay the higher of an individual’s own earned benefit or their spousal benefit.

Applying for a Benefit Change

When you are ready to apply for Social Security spousal benefits, several avenues are available. Applications can be initiated online through the Social Security Administration’s official website, by calling their national toll-free number, or by visiting a local Social Security office. Scheduling an appointment for an in-person visit is often advisable to minimize wait times.

You will need your Social Security number and that of your spouse. A marriage certificate is required to verify the marital relationship, and a birth certificate or other proof of birth establishes your age. If you are applying as a divorced spouse, your divorce decree will be necessary. Providing your bank account information for direct deposit ensures secure and timely receipt of payments.

After submitting the application, the Social Security Administration will review the information and make a determination. Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within weeks. Once approved, benefits are deposited directly into your designated bank account each month. The Social Security Administration will notify you of their decision and the amount of benefit you will receive.