You can claim benefits on your spouse's Social Security record if you are at least 62 years old, married for at least one year, and your spouse is already receiving disability or retirement benefits

Spousal benefits let you draw money based on your spouse's earnings record rather than your own. The amount you receive is calculated as a percentage of what your spouse gets — typically up to 50 percent of their benefit if you claim at your full retirement age, or less if you claim earlier. You do not need your own work history to may have access to, though if you have one, Social Security will compare both records and pay you whichever is higher.

The process starts with a single process to Social Security, either online, by phone, or in person at your local field office. You will need to provide proof of your marriage, your spouse's Social Security number, and identification. Social Security handles the rest — they verify your spouse's benefit status, calculate your amount, and set up your payment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 62 years old and married for at least one year to claim spousal benefits on your spouse's disability or retirement record.
  • Your spousal benefit is typically up to 50 percent of your spouse's benefit amount if you wait until your full retirement age to claim.
  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security field office.
  • Social Security will ask for your marriage certificate, your spouse's Social Security number, and proof of identity; they verify everything else themselves.
  • If you have your own work record, Social Security automatically compares both and pays you the higher amount — you do not have to choose.

What documents you need to bring or submit

Social Security requires specific documents to process your process. Bring or upload an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. You will also need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If your name has changed since you were married, bring a document showing that change, such as a divorce decree or marriage certificate from a subsequent marriage.

You will need your spouse's Social Security number. If you do not have it memorized, check old tax returns, bank statements, or insurance documents. You will also need your own Social Security number, which you should have on your Social Security card.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate and evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status — a naturalization certificate, passport, or green card. If you are explore on behalf of someone else or with a representative, bring a signed form SSA-3288 (Authorized Representative Statement) or a power of attorney.

how the process works online, by phone, or in person

Online: Go to ssa.gov and select "explore for Retirement Benefits" from the homepage. The form walks you through questions about your age, work history, and family situation. You will be asked whether you want to claim on your own record, your spouse's record, or both. Choose spousal benefits and enter your spouse's information. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number and can check the status of your process online using your my Social Security account.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about how your benefit will be calculated. They will mail you a form to sign and return, or in some cases can complete the process over the phone if you provide the required information verbally. Phone wait times are often shorter early in the morning or later in the week.

In person: Visit your local Social Security field office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring all required documents with you. A representative will complete the process with you and can answer questions on the spot. No appointment is required, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

How your benefit amount is calculated

Social Security calculates your spousal benefit as a percentage of your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) — the amount they receive at their full retirement age. If you claim at your full retirement age, you receive up to 50 percent of their PIA. If you claim before your full retirement age, your benefit is reduced by a percentage that depends on how many months early you claim. The reduction is roughly 0.35 percent per month before age 62, and roughly 0.416 percent per month between ages 62 and your full retirement age.

Social Security also compares your spousal benefit to any benefit you would receive based on your own work record. If your own benefit is higher, you receive your own benefit instead. This is called the "deemed filing" rule — when you explore, you are deemed to be claiming on both records, and Social Security pays whichever is larger. You cannot choose to take only the spousal portion if your own record would pay more.

Your spouse's benefit amount does not change when you claim spousal benefits. If your spouse receives $2,000 per month and you claim 50 percent of that at your full retirement age, you receive $1,000 and your spouse still receives $2,000. The total household benefit increases, but your spouse's individual payment stays the same.

How long the process takes and what happens next

Social Security typically processes spousal benefit applications within two to four weeks if all your documents are in order and your spouse's benefit status is already confirmed in their system. If you are missing documents or if there are questions about your marriage or identity, processing can take longer — sometimes six to eight weeks. You can check the status of your process online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Once approved, Social Security will send you a notice showing your benefit amount, your payment date, and how you will receive your money — by direct deposit, check, or debit card. Your first payment usually arrives within one to two months after approval. If you applied online or by phone, you may receive your approval notice by mail or through your my Social Security account.

If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by mail or phone. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays in providing documents can slow down your approval. If you disagree with the amount you are offered or if your process is denied, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial notice.

What happens if your spouse is receiving disability benefits versus retirement benefits

The rules are the same whether your spouse is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits. You can claim spousal benefits on either record as long as your spouse is already receiving benefits and you meet the age and marriage requirements. Your benefit amount is calculated the same way — up to 50 percent of their Primary Insurance Amount at your full retirement age.

One difference to know: if your spouse is receiving SSDI and you claim spousal benefits before your full retirement age, you may also become may be able to access for Medicare at age 65 based on their disability status, even though you are not disabled yourself. This is called "disabled widow(er) or spouse" status, and it gives you access to Medicare earlier than you would normally may have access to.

If your spouse's disability case is reviewed and they are found to no longer be disabled, their benefits will stop. Your spousal benefits will also stop unless your spouse is old enough to receive retirement benefits instead. Social Security will notify you if this happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim spousal benefits if my spouse has not yet applied for their own benefits?

No. Your spouse must already be receiving Social Security benefits — either disability or retirement — before you can claim spousal benefits on their record. If your spouse is not yet receiving benefits, you will need to wait until they explore and are approved.

What if I was divorced? Can I still claim spousal benefits?

Yes, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you are at least 62 years old, and you are not currently married. You can claim on your ex-spouse's record even if they have remarried. If you remarried after age 60, you may still be able to claim on your ex-spouse's record. Contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation.

Will claiming spousal benefits reduce my spouse's benefit amount?

No. Your spouse's benefit payment stays exactly the same. When you claim spousal benefits, you receive a portion of their benefit amount, but Social Security does not reduce what they receive. The total household benefit increases.

What if I have my own work record? Will I get spousal benefits or my own benefit?

Social Security compares both and pays you whichever is higher. You cannot choose to take only the spousal portion. If your own benefit is larger, you receive your own benefit. If the spousal benefit is larger, you receive that instead. This comparison happens automatically when you explore.

Can I change my mind after I start receiving spousal benefits?

You can withdraw your process within 12 months of approval and repay any benefits you received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw. If you want to stop benefits temporarily to let them grow, you can suspend your benefits at your full retirement age, but this is rarely the right choice for spousal benefits. Talk to Social Security about your options before making a decision.