Can I Take My Own Social Security Benefits Then Switch to Spousal?

Social Security spousal benefits offer a financial resource for individuals whose spouses have contributed to the Social Security system. Understanding the rules governing these benefits, particularly eligibility and filing options, is important for retirement planning. This article clarifies the conditions for such a change and outlines the process.

Eligibility for Social Security Spousal Benefits

To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, certain criteria must be met, primarily related to marriage and age. An individual generally needs to be at least 62 years old, or be caring for a child under age 16 or a child with a disability who is entitled to benefits on the spouse’s record. The marriage must have lasted for at least one continuous year, or ten years if applying as a divorced spouse. Furthermore, the primary worker, on whose record benefits are claimed, must already be receiving their Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

The maximum spousal benefit an individual can receive is typically 50% of their spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The PIA represents the benefit amount the primary worker is entitled to at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). Claiming spousal benefits before reaching one’s own Full Retirement Age will result in a permanent reduction of the benefit amount. For instance, claiming at age 62 can reduce the spousal benefit to as low as 32.5% to 35% of the spouse’s PIA, rather than the full 50%.

Conditions for Switching from Your Own to Spousal Benefits

The “deemed filing” rule, significantly changed by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, largely governs switching from your own Social Security benefits to spousal benefits. Under deemed filing, applying for either your own retirement benefits or spousal benefits means you are generally considered to have applied for both simultaneously. The Social Security Administration (SSA) then pays the higher of the two eligible benefit amounts.

For individuals born on or after January 2, 1954, deemed filing applies at age 62 and continues beyond their Full Retirement Age. This rule prevents them from claiming only spousal benefits while allowing their own retirement benefits to grow through delayed retirement credits. If an individual files for their own benefits and later becomes eligible for spousal benefits, the SSA automatically adjusts their payment to the higher of the two, effectively combining them. The original early claiming reduction on their own benefit may still impact the overall amount received if they claimed early.

An exception to the deemed filing rule exists for individuals born on or before January 1, 1954. This group may still have the option to file a “restricted application”. A restricted application allows an eligible individual who has reached their Full Retirement Age to file solely for spousal benefits. This strategy enables their own retirement benefits to continue accumulating delayed retirement credits, which can increase their own benefit amount by approximately 8% for each year they delay claiming past their FRA, up to age 70.

To use a restricted application, the spouse on whose record benefits are claimed must already be receiving their own Social Security benefits. If an individual in this age group claimed their own benefits before reaching Full Retirement Age, they generally cannot later file a restricted application to switch to spousal benefits. However, if they initiated their own benefits and their spouse later files, the SSA will pay the higher of the two amounts, which might include an “excess spousal benefit” if their own benefit is lower than half of their spouse’s PIA.

Applying to Switch Social Security Benefits

Before applying for Social Security benefits, including spousal benefit adjustments, gather specific information and documents. Applicants typically need:

Their Social Security number (SSN) and that of their spouse.
Birth certificate or other proof of birth.
Marriage certificate to verify the marital relationship.
If applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates for former spouses.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if not born in the United States.
U.S. military discharge papers for service before 1968.
W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the previous year.
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit.

The Social Security Administration offers several methods for submitting an application or requesting a benefit adjustment. Individuals can apply online through their “my Social Security” account, by calling the national toll-free service, or by visiting a local SSA office in person.

For online applications, create or log into a “my Social Security” account. This allows users to save and resume their application. When applying by phone or in person, an SSA representative will assist with the application process. It is often recommended to schedule an appointment for in-person visits to reduce potential wait times.

After submission, the SSA will provide a confirmation, and processing times can vary. The agency may follow up with requests for additional information or an interview to clarify details and verify eligibility.

Adjustments to Social Security Benefit Payments

Once Social Security benefits are adjusted to include spousal benefits, the Social Security Administration recalculates the monthly payment. The SSA’s system pays the highest eligible benefit based on the individual’s and their spouse’s earnings records.

If a recalculation determines that a person received more benefits than they were entitled to, an overpayment can occur. The SSA will notify the individual of any overpayment, explaining the reason and the amount owed. The agency typically seeks to recover overpayments, which can involve adjusting future benefit payments, with common practices including withholding a percentage of monthly benefits until the debt is repaid.

The effective date of the change in benefits impacts the payment schedule, with the revised amount typically reflected in payments for the month following the effective date. Following any adjustment or recalculation, the Social Security Administration issues a new award letter to the recipient. This letter details the revised monthly benefit amount, the effective date of the change, and explains how the new payment was determined, providing a clear record of the benefit adjustment.