Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Benefits

Before applying for spousal benefits, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Here’s who can qualify:

• Marriage Requirement: You must be married to someone who is already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. In some cases, you can apply for spousal benefits based on your spouse’s work history even if you’re separated, as long as you’ve been married for at least one year.
• Age Requirement: You must be at least 62 years old to begin receiving spousal benefits, though the amount you receive will be reduced if you start before your full retirement age (FRA).
• Divorced Spouses: If you are divorced, you can still apply for spousal benefits if you were married for at least 10 years, and you have not remarried.
• No Own Benefits: If your own Social Security benefit is less than your spouse's, you may qualify for spousal benefits to make up the difference.

Step 2: Determine the Amount You Will Receive

The amount of Social Security spousal benefits you can receive depends on your spouse’s benefit amount and your age at the time you begin claiming. Key details to know:

• Full Spousal Benefit: If you wait until your full retirement age (FRA) to claim spousal benefits, you can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s monthly Social Security benefit.
• Early Claiming Reduction: If you begin receiving spousal benefits before your FRA, the amount will be reduced. For example, if you begin at 62, your benefit could be as low as 35% of your spouse’s full benefit.
• Spousal Benefits After FRA: If you wait until your FRA to start spousal benefits, you’ll receive the full 50% of your spouse’s benefit.

Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents

When applying for Social Security spousal benefits, you’ll need to gather several key documents. These include:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Your spouse’s SSN or proof of their Social Security benefits
• Your marriage certificate (or divorce decree, if applicable)
• Birth certificate or proof of your age
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, if applicable

Having these documents ready will help make the application process smoother and faster.

Step 4: How to Apply for Social Security Spousal Benefits

There are a few ways to apply for spousal benefits:

• Online: The easiest way to apply is through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA)  online portal at www.ssa.gov. You can create an account and complete the application online for spousal benefits.
• By Phone: You can also apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appointment or get assistance with the application process.
• In-Person: If you prefer, you can apply in person at your local Social Security office. Check the SSA’s website for your nearest office and to make an appointment.

The SSA provides detailed instructions and prompts throughout the online application to guide you step by step.

Step 5: Consider When to Apply for Spousal Benefits

Timing is important when applying for spousal benefits. Here’s what you need to think about:

• Full Retirement Age: If you can afford to wait until your FRA, you will receive the full 50% of your spouse’s benefit.
• Delaying Benefits: If you delay your spousal benefits beyond your FRA (up to age 70), you will not receive an increased benefit. However, if you have a higher own benefit, it may be better to claim your own benefit instead of spousal benefits.
• Coordination with Other Benefits: If you’re eligible for your own Social Security benefit as well as spousal benefits, the SSA will automatically pay you the higher of the two benefits. You won’t be able to “stack” the benefits, but you will receive the maximum allowable amount.

Step 6: Understand the Impact of Remarriage or Divorce

• Remarriage: If you remarry before age 60, you will generally not be eligible for spousal benefits based on your former spouse’s work record. If you remarry after age 60, you can still claim benefits based on your previous spouse’s record.
• Divorce: If you’re divorced and meet the requirements, you can still apply for spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record, as long as you have not remarried.