Step 1: Understand Spousal Social Security Benefits

Before you file for spousal benefits, it’s important to understand how they work:

• Eligibility: You must be married to someone who is eligible for Social Security benefits. If your spouse is not yet receiving benefits but is eligible to, you can still apply for spousal benefits once your spouse begins receiving benefits.
• Benefit Amount: The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's full retirement benefit (not including any deductions for early retirement or reductions). However, this amount may vary depending on the age at which you apply.
• Age Requirements: You can begin to receive spousal benefits as early as age 62, but your benefit will be reduced if you apply before your full retirement age (FRA). Your FRA depends on the year you were born, but it’s typically around 66 or 67. If you wait until your FRA to apply, you will receive the full spousal benefit.

Step 2: Verify Your Eligibility for Spousal Benefits

To be eligible for spousal benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

• Marriage Duration: You must have been married to your spouse for at least one year.
• Age: You must be at least 62 years old, or your spouse must be receiving Social Security retirement benefits or disability benefits.
• Not Receiving Own Social Security: If you have your own Social Security benefit (based on your work history), the SSA will pay you the higher benefit — either your own benefit or the spousal benefit, whichever is greater.
• Divorce Considerations: If you are divorced, you can still apply for spousal benefits, provided you were married for at least 10 years and you are currently unmarried.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

To apply for spousal benefits, you will need to provide certain information and documentation:

• Marriage Certificate: You’ll need to provide proof of your marriage to your spouse (or ex-spouse if you’re divorced).
• Your Spouse’s Social Security Number: You’ll need your spouse’s Social Security number to apply for benefits.
• Your Birth Certificate: This confirms your age and identity.
• Proof of Divorce: If you are divorced, you will need to provide proof of your divorce.
• Your Social Security Number: You’ll need to provide your own Social Security number for identification purposes.

Step 4: Apply for Spousal Social Security Benefits

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered your documents, you can apply for spousal Social Security benefits. There are several ways to apply:

Apply Online

The easiest and fastest way to apply is online through the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. Follow these steps:

• Create a Social Security Account: If you don’t already have an account, you will need to create one through the SSA website.
• Complete the Application: You can apply for spousal benefits directly through the online portal. Be prepared to enter personal details and provide information about your spouse.
• Submit Your Documents: If required, submit the necessary documents (marriage certificate, proof of divorce, etc.) electronically or by mail.

Apply by Phone

If you prefer not to apply online, you can apply by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will assist you with your application.

Apply in Person

You can also visit your local Social Security office and apply in person. To find the nearest office, use the office locator on the SSA website.

Step 5: Understand How the Benefits Are Paid

Once your application is approved, your spousal benefits will be paid in the same way as other Social Security benefits — typically through direct deposit into your bank account. The payment will be made each month.

The amount you receive will be based on your spouse’s full retirement benefit, but it may be reduced if you begin receiving benefits before your full retirement age. If you wait until FRA, you will receive the full 50% spousal benefit.

Step 6: Consider Delaying Benefits for Higher Payments

If you are eligible for both your own Social Security benefits and spousal benefits, you may want to consider delaying your own benefits until your full retirement age or even age 70 to receive higher monthly payments.

• If you start your own Social Security benefits early, they may be reduced, but if you delay them, they will increase each year until age 70.
• The spousal benefit will be based on your spouse’s full retirement benefit, so it will not change based on when you begin receiving it (as long as it’s after your full retirement age).