Here's How to Tell if You Qualify for Spousal Social Security Benefits

From an analytical perspective, It's worth noting that Spousal Social Security benefits can be a boon to the budget of anyone who doesn't qualify for benefits on their own or expects to receive a small monthly benefit

In contrast, The trick is to understand if you qualify, and if so, how much you can expect your benefits to be

Whether you qualify for spousal benefits depends on how you answer the ing questions: Image Source: Getty Images

Does your spouse qualify for Social Security benefits

This's the foundational question

Typically, this means your partner earned 40 credits or apximately 10 years of work

If your spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits, you may qualify for spousal benefits

How long have you been married, in this volatile climate

Additionally, First and foremost, you must be legally married to the Social Security recipient to claim spousal benefits

Nevertheless, According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must be married for one year before qualifying

However, if you a child with your spouse, the one-year rule does not apply

However, Are you divorced

If you're divorced, you may still be eligible for spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse's work record, even if your ex remarried and the current spouse is collecting benefits based on the ex's work record (noteworthy indeed)

Here are the eligibility requirements: Your ex is currently receiving Social Security benefits

Meanwhile, If your ex has reached retirement age and is eligible to receive Social Security benefits but has not applied, you can apply for benefits if you've been divorced for at least two years

You are 62 or older, unless your ex-spouse has passed away and you're currently unmarried

In contrast, In that case, you can collect benefits as early as 60, in light of current trends

And if your ex is deceased and you're disabled, you can collect as early as age 50

You were married to your ex for at least 10 years and divorced for at least two years

You are currently unmarried

If you remarried someone else and later divorced them, you can claim benefits from either spouse as long as you were married to each for at least 10 years

If you decide to collect Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse's work record, your ex will not be notified and won't know unless you tell them

On the other hand, How old are you (remarkable data)

Your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced if you file for spousal benefits before your FRA

Have you earned benefits of your own

If you have your own Social Security benefit based on your work record, but your spouse's benefit is larger, you may receive a larger amount

However, Before applying for spousal benefits, gather all necessary documents, given current economic conditions

For example, you may be asked to vide: Your birth certificate (or a similar document), given current economic conditions

Additionally, Citizenship or lawful alien

A marriage certificate, in today's market environment

W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns

However, If you're divorced and filing for spousal benefits based on an ex's work record, be prepared to vide a copy of the final divorce decree (an important development) (something worth watching)

Additionally, Meanwhile, The application cess is not complicated, especially if you have the documentation ready to go, considering recent developments

To apply, you can call an SSA office, visit in person, or fill out an online application.