Eligibility for Spouse's Social Security Benefits: Check Your Eligibility Now
In the intricate world of Social Security benefits, spousal benefits can offer a substantial source of financial support for eligible individuals. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible, the conditions to meet, and how much one can receive.
Firstly, if you are eligible for spousal benefits, you can receive up to half of your working spouse's primary insurance amount (PIA). However, the amount you receive may vary depending on when your spouse starts receiving their benefits.
To claim on a divorced spouse's work record, there are specific conditions to meet. You must have been divorced for at least two years, not be married when you apply, and be at least age 62. However, if you are caring for a child younger than age 16 or a child with a disability, these age requirements may be waived.
It's worth noting that the ex-spouse doesn't have to be collecting retirement benefits for you to claim spousal benefits. As long as they are eligible for retirement benefits (at least 62 years old), you can still claim.
Divorced spouses can also claim spousal benefits if they were married for at least 10 years. Additionally, spousal benefits can be claimed for children of any age with disabilities entitled to Social Security benefits on the spouse's record.
Spousal benefits will be reduced if claimed before full retirement age, unless you are caring for a qualifying child. The full retirement age for those born in 1960 or later is 67.
If you are also eligible for Social Security benefits based on your own work record, you will receive those benefits first. If the spousal benefit would be higher, you will receive extra money to bring you up to the higher benefit.
In the case of a divorced wife, she can invoke entitlements to her former husband's occupational pension rights through the statutory "Versorgungsausgleich" (pension rights adjustment), which splits the pension entitlements acquired during the marriage equally between spouses after divorce. This applies to statutory pensions, professional pension schemes, and certain private and occupational pensions.
Lastly, spousal benefits can be claimed for children younger than 16 in the care of the applicant.
In conclusion, understanding spousal benefits in Social Security can be crucial for those planning their retirement or navigating through life changes such as divorce. It's essential to familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria, the conditions, and the potential benefits to make informed decisions about your financial future.
