Can a wife draw husband's Social Security while he is alive?

Yes, a wife can draw Social Security benefits on her husband's record while he's alive, called spousal benefits, if she is at least 62 or has a qualifying child, and he is receiving his own benefits, but she'll get the higher of her own benefit or up to 50% of his Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit, which may be reduced if she claims before her FRA. She can't get both benefits in full; the Social Security Administration (SSA) combines them for the highest possible amount, and her claiming spousal benefits doesn't lower his.

Can a wife draw on her husband's Social Security?

Yes, a wife can draw on her husband's Social Security as a spousal benefit, potentially receiving up to 50% of his full retirement amount if she claims at her full retirement age (FRA); she'll get a reduced amount if she claims earlier (as early as 62) or her own earned benefit if it's higher, and this doesn't reduce his payment, but she must be at least 62 and he must be collecting benefits for her to apply, though conditions differ for divorced spouses. 

Can I collect Social Security while my husband is still working?

Yes, one spouse can absolutely collect Social Security benefits while the other is still working, and the working spouse's income doesn't directly reduce the other spouse's earned Social Security benefit, though there are rules like the deemed filing rule and earnings limits if claiming early, allowing strategies like the lower earner claiming spousal benefits while the higher earner delays for a bigger total payout and survivor benefit. 

Can my wife take Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?

No, generally your wife can't claim her own reduced benefit at 62 and then switch to a higher spousal benefit later because of the "deemed filing" rule for those born after January 1954; she'll automatically receive the higher of the two available benefits (her own or spousal) when she applies, but the switch strategy (taking her own early and switching) is possible only if she's collecting a survivor benefit or if her spouse hasn't filed yet, allowing her to claim her own benefit and then switch to the spousal one later when you file. 

What is the best Social Security strategy for married couples?

Social Security tips for couples

• A couple with similar incomes and ages and long life expectancies may want to consider maximizing lifetime benefits by both delaying their claim.
• For couples with big differences in earnings, consider claiming the spousal benefit, which may be better than claiming your own.

Social Security Spousal Benefits Made Easy: 5 Things You Need to Know

What is the new law for Social Security spousal benefits?

The biggest recent change for spousal benefits is the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) of 2023, effective January 2024, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for many, meaning spouses and survivors with government pensions won't have their benefits reduced as much, if at all. Key rules remain: spouses can get up to 50% of the primary earner's benefit, can claim at 62 (with reductions), or care for a qualifying child (no reduction). Deemed filing still means applying for one benefit usually means applying for both.
 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

What is the Social Security spousal benefits loophole?

The main Social Security spousal benefit loopholes (file-and-suspend & restricted application) were closed by the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act, affecting most people, but a specific "loophole" allows a caregiver spouse to claim benefits early if caring for a disabled or young child, bypassing normal age/filing rules, though this is a legitimate SSA provision for caregivers, not a true exploit, with benefits subject to family maximums.
 

What does Suze Orman say about taking Social Security at 62?

Orman explained that you can start Social Security as soon as 62, but that you shouldn't. She said: "Don't settle for a reduced Social Security benefit. If you are in good health, the best financial move you can make is to not claim Social Security before you reach your full retirement age."

Do married couples get two Social Security checks?

Yes, married couples generally receive two separate Social Security checks, one for each spouse based on their own earnings record, or a higher spousal benefit if it's more than their own, but they don't get both amounts added together; the system pays the higher benefit, not double. Each person can collect their own retirement benefit, and if one spouse earns significantly less (or nothing), they can claim up to 50% of the higher earner's benefit, but the final payment is the greater of the two, not the combined sum. 

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

You can lose Social Security benefits by working while collecting early, leading to earnings limits; incarceration, which suspends payments; or through garnishment for federal debts like taxes, student loans, or child support, along with other factors like remarriage or changes in disability status. 

When can my wife start collecting half of my Social Security?

Your wife can start collecting spousal Social Security benefits as early as age 62, or sooner if she's caring for your child under 16 or with a disability, but she must wait until you file for your own benefits; the full spousal benefit (up to 50% of yours) is only available at her Full Retirement Age (FRA), otherwise, it's reduced. Claiming early (age 62) gives her money sooner but permanently lowers the monthly payment, so waiting for her FRA or even age 70 (to maximize her own benefit if higher) offers more income. 

What are the changes coming to Social Security in 2026?

After several years of above-average cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security, beneficiaries will receive a slight increase in the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) in 2026 based on the current inflation environment. Recipients will get a 2.8% raise, which is higher than the 2.5% increase last year.

How does a wife qualify for her husband's Social Security?

You can collect Social Security based on your husband's record as a spouse (up to 50% of his benefit), or as a survivor (up to 100% if you're full retirement age or older) if he passes away, provided you meet marriage duration and age/dependency rules, often needing him to be receiving benefits first (unless you're widowed). Eligibility requires being married at least a year (or divorced for 2+ years if married 10+ years), being at least 62 (or caring for a child under 16/disabled). You'll get the higher of your own benefit or the spousal/survivor benefit, and you apply online at ssa.gov/myaccount/ or by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA).
 

Can I collect spousal Social Security and then switch to my own?

You generally cannot claim spousal benefits at your Full Retirement Age (FRA) and then switch to your own higher retirement benefit if you were born after January 1, 1954, due to "deemed filing" rules, which make you apply for both and get the higher amount. However, you can switch if you were born before 1954, or if you are switching from a deceased spouse's survivor benefit to your own higher retirement benefit, or if you start your own lower benefit and wait to switch to a higher spousal benefit (if applicable). 

Is it wise to take spousal Social Security benefits?

In some cases, it makes sense for both spouses to claim on the same spouse's earnings record. Many couples use a "split strategy," which means they begin claiming at different ages. It might be worthwhile for the higher earner to wait longer to collect.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

What is the smartest age to collect Social Security?

The "smartest" age to collect Social Security varies, but age 70 is often statistically best for maximizing lifetime benefits, as monthly checks grow significantly until then, especially for higher earners and those expecting long lives; however, claiming at Full Retirement Age (FRA) (67 for most) secures 100% of benefits, while taking it as early as 62 provides income sooner but permanently reduces payments, making it ideal for those with immediate financial needs or shorter life expectancies. 

What are the four documents Suze Orman says you must have?

Financial guru Suze Orman says there are four documents you absolutely must have: a will; a revocable living trust; a durable financial power of attorney; and an advance directive for health care. “Durable” means it remains in force should you become incapacitated.

Does a widow get 100% of her husband's Social Security?

Yes, you can get up to 100% of your deceased husband's Social Security benefit if you've reached your own Full Retirement Age (FRA) for survivors (age 67 for most); otherwise, you'll get a reduced amount (starting around 71.5% at age 60) or a full benefit if caring for a young child, with the exact amount depending on your age, his earnings, and when he claimed. 

Why isn't my wife's spousal benefit 50% of my Social Security retirement benefit?

The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.

What does Warren Buffett say about Social Security?

Warren Buffett's core message on Social Security is that cutting benefits is a major mistake, as a rich country must care for its elderly, but he acknowledges the system's financial challenges and suggests solutions like raising the taxable income cap for Social Security taxes, slightly increasing the payroll tax, and gradually raising the retirement age, urging Congress to act before trust fund insolvency forces drastic cuts. He sees Social Security as a vital, successful government program that needs responsible adjustments, not benefit reductions. 

What is the number one regret of retirees?

Among the biggest mistakes retirees make is not adjusting their expenses to their new budget in retirement. Those who have worked for many years need to realize that dining out, clothing and entertainment expenses should be reduced because they are no longer earning the same amount of money as they were while working.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security benefits?

You can lose Social Security benefits by working while collecting early, leading to earnings limits; incarceration, which suspends payments; or through garnishment for federal debts like taxes, student loans, or child support, along with other factors like remarriage or changes in disability status. 

What is happening on March 31, 2025 with Social Security?

At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency's online “my Social Security” services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone.