62 years of age or older.
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.
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.
Last Updated: April 18, 2025 If you don't have enough Social Security credits to get benefits on your own work record or your own benefit is small, you may be able to receive benefits as a spouse. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their work record.
Applying in-person has certain benefits, including: In-person allows you to get a sense of the social security office and develop a relationship with the people who work there, which can be helpful if you have future questions or need to make a change to your account in the future.
When a worker files for retirement benefits, the worker's spouse may be eligible for a benefit based on the worker's earnings. Another requirement is that the spouse must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in her/his care.
Proof of death — either from a funeral home or a death certificate. Your SSN, and the deceased worker's SSN. Your birth certificate. Your marriage certificate if you're a surviving spouse.
Spouses and ex-spouses Payments start at 71.5% of your spouse's benefit and increase the longer you wait to apply. For example, you might get: Over 75% at age 61.
Documents you may need to provide Proof of the worker's death; Birth certificate or other proof of birth; Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States More Info; U.S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968;