This Social Security Spousal Rule Finally Fizzled Out in 2024 — But These 3 Strategies Remain. A Social Security spousal rule that was around for decades ended this year for the last eligible retirees — those who turned 70 on Jan. 1, 2024.
Randall, in order for your wife to be eligible for spousal benefits, you need to have already filed for your own benefits. If that's the case and your wife is at least 62 years old, she can apply for her spousal benefit.
The Social Security spousal benefits loophole refers to strategies that some married couples have used to maximize their Social Security benefits. These strategies were allowed under prior rules but were curtailed by changes made in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.
If you cannot apply online or you decide not to finish applying online, for whatever reason, you can apply by phone or in person at any Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment and to avoid any loss of benefits.
62 years of age or older.
This Social Security Spousal Rule Finally Fizzled Out in 2024 — But These 3 Strategies Remain. A Social Security spousal rule that was around for decades ended this year for the last eligible retirees — those who turned 70 on Jan. 1, 2024.
Spouses are required to file for their own Social Security first then get a “top off” for the higher amount from the higher earning spouse. If you have no work history of your own, its easy, you draw only a percentage of your spouse's Social Security based on how old YOU are when you draw. Remember, you cannot draw as.
If you claim your regular Social Security benefit before your higher-earning spouse does, you have the option of switching to spousal benefits at a later date when (or after) your spouse decides to file.
Spouses and ex-spouses may be entitled to Social Security benefits once they reach the age of 62.
The first exception, which can be deemed as the Social Security spousal benefits loophole, works where an individual who remarries at 60 or later may still be entitled to Social Security survivors' benefits if the second marriage ends before the death of the first spouse.