There are some people who have recently found themselves in this situation, not knowing if they can get both Social Security payments. It is always best to make sure whether they are compatible or not. There is no point in wasting your time claiming something that is not possible. If you have been receiving Social Security benefits as a spouse and it is time for you to enjoy retirement, let’s disclose all the necessary information.
The exorbitant prices and the soaring cost of living in the US are making people need more sources of income than ever before. Luckily, the answer is yes. You could collect both benefits. The thing is that you would need to qualify for your spouse’s benefits as well as your retirement payment. If that is the case, you could achieve it. Take into account that Social Security will pay your personal retirement benefits in the first place.
If the money that you received for your spouse is more than the amount you got for your retirement, you would receive a combination of both. By doing so, Social Security will equal the highest amount. On the other hand, if your own retirement benefits are more than your Social Security spouse’s benefits, you just get that amount.
Could your spouse at age 62 receive Social Security benefits if you get retirement benefits?
Many US Social Security beneficiaries who are receiving retirement benefits wonder if their spouse could qualify for benefits. Of course, they could be eligible for Social Security benefits. Some may have asked themselves, but what if they have never worked before and did not pay Social Security? They might be entitled to benefits as well. Remember that they must be at least 62 years old.
Those who receive disability benefits rather than retirement benefits are in the same situation. So, if your spouse is 62 or older and you get that benefit, it is possible that they get a benefit too. Both retirees and people with disability that receive a benefit could get Medicare for their spouse if their spouses are 65 years old. Besides, the amount of money that your spouse will get may vary.
Social Security will pay their own benefits first if they qualify for one taking into account their personal record. If your benefit is higher than theirs, your spouse will receive an additional amount on your record. Do not forget that if they start getting benefits between the age of 62 and their FRA -full retirement age- that quantity is permanently reduced. They reduce a percentage depending on the months until their FRA.