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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!
![Spousal Beneficiaries [Photo: Bankrate]](https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/southarkansassun.com/2023/02/GettyImages-1174164587.webp)
Spousal Beneficiaries [Photo: Bankrate]
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.
READ ALSO: Social Security Goes Big In 2023: Benefit Hike Of 8.7% Brings More Relief To Seniors
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.
READ ALSO: Defend Your Retirement Income: Your Social Security Benefits Explained
