Can I Switch to Spousal Benefits Later?

Social Security benefits are a core part of retirement planning. Spousal benefits allow eligible individuals to claim a portion of their spouse’s Social Security earnings record. A common question for those already receiving their own benefits is: can one later switch to spousal benefits if it proves more advantageous? Understanding the rules governing these benefits is key for informed decisions.

Understanding Social Security Benefit Types

Social Security provides several types of benefits, primarily based on an individual’s work history or their relationship to a worker. Benefits based on one’s own work record are determined by average indexed monthly earnings over a career. This calculation establishes the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the monthly benefit an individual receives if they claim at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). Claiming earlier than FRA results in a reduced monthly amount, while delaying beyond FRA, up to age 70, can lead to increased benefits through delayed retirement credits.

Spousal benefits allow an eligible spouse to receive payments based on their partner’s work record. To qualify, the primary earner must generally be receiving their own Social Security retirement or disability benefits. The spousal benefit amount is up to 50% of the primary earner’s PIA, assuming the spouse claims at their own FRA. Claiming spousal benefits before FRA will reduce the benefit amount.

A rule impacting the ability to “switch” between benefits is “deemed filing.” When an individual files for Social Security retirement or spousal benefits before reaching their FRA, they are deemed to have filed for any other benefit they are eligible for at that time. The Social Security Administration (SSA) then pays the higher of the two benefit amounts. This means if you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit and you file for one before your FRA, you are automatically considered to have filed for both, and you will receive the higher of the two. This prevents a later “switch” to solely the other benefit.

Eligibility and Rules for Claiming Spousal Benefits

The ability to claim spousal benefits after already receiving your own Social Security benefits is largely governed by your age at the time of filing and the deemed filing rule. For most individuals, if you filed for your own retirement benefits before reaching your FRA, the SSA would have automatically paid you the higher of your own benefit or any spousal benefits you were eligible for. A later “switch” to an unreduced spousal benefit is not possible; you will continue to receive the higher of the two benefits.

There are specific scenarios where a “switch” or optimization of benefits may still be possible for individuals born before January 2, 1954. These individuals have an option known as a “restricted application for spousal benefits only.” If eligible, they could file for spousal benefits at their FRA, allowing their own retirement benefit to continue growing with delayed retirement credits until age 70. At age 70, they could then switch to their own maximized retirement benefit.

For those born on or after January 2, 1954, the restricted application option is generally not available. If you claim your own retirement benefit at any point, and you are also eligible for a spousal benefit, the SSA will pay you the higher of the two. This means if you begin receiving your own reduced retirement benefit early, and later become eligible for a spousal benefit that is higher than your reduced benefit, you will receive the spousal benefit. Your own benefit will be adjusted to ensure you receive only the higher amount.

Eligibility for spousal benefits also requires specific conditions. The primary earner, on whose record you are claiming, must generally be receiving their own Social Security retirement or disability benefits. The marriage must have lasted for at least one continuous year for traditional spousal benefits, or ten years for divorced spousal benefits.

Applying for Social Security Spousal Benefits

When applying for Social Security spousal benefits, several methods are available. The SSA offers online applications for certain benefit types, though spousal benefits often require a phone or in-person application to verify details related to your spouse’s record. You can call the SSA’s toll-free number or schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office.

You will need to gather specific documents and information to support your claim. This includes:
Your Social Security number
Your spouse’s Social Security number
Your original birth certificate
Your marriage certificate
Divorce decrees or death certificates for former spouses (if applicable)
Bank account information for direct deposit

After submitting your application, the SSA will review all provided information and verify your eligibility. Processing time can vary, generally taking a few weeks to a few months. The SSA will communicate its decision by mail, providing details about your benefit amount and effective date. If additional information is needed, the SSA will contact you directly. Respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays.