Receiving spousal benefits depends on whether your spouse is already receiving retirement benefits. In this article, read and find out which of the two Social Security benefits offers more money!
The amount of Social Security benefits to be received as a married couple is somewhat different from how much a single individual can receive. When a beneficiary files for Social Security benefits, their spouse may be able to claim a spousal benefit. The amount of these benefits depends on the beneficiary’s contributions to the Social Security. However, it will be limited to 50% of their benefits at the full retirement age and 30% at 62. For example, if at full retirement age, $2,200 will be received per month, the spousal benefit to be received will be up to $1,100 per month.According to an article on AARP, to be eligible for the spousal Security benefits, a spouse must be at least 62. They must also be taking care of a child below 16 or a child receiving Social Security disability benefits. Lastly, they must be married to someone who has filed for retirement benefits for at least a year. If a spouse is eligible to receive both retirement and spousal benefits, only the higher between the two will be received. However, if the beneficiary has not filed for retirement benefits yet, the spouse will not receive spousal benefits as well. Nonetheless, the spouse can file for their own retirement benefits at the earliest age of 62.
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How to Avoid Double-Dipping
According to Lake, the Social Security Administration administered the deemed filing rule to avoid double-dipping. The deemed filing rule prevents spouses from receiving one type of retirement benefit while also receiving another delayed type of benefit. Nonetheless, there are still a few exceptions to this rule. One may be eligible for an exception if they were born before January 2, 1954. They may also be exempted if they are taking care of a child below 16 or a child with disabilities. Lastly, they may be exempted if they are eligible for the Social Security disability benefits themselves.
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