Social Security Benefit Rules For Spouses – Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?

2026 · AM I ELIGIBLE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AS A SPOUSE?
NoYesNoNoYesWhich best describesyour situation?Your spouse passed away.You’re currently married and have no prior marriages.See “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?” flowchart.See the “Will My Social Security Benefits Be Reduced?” flowchart.See the "Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?" flowchart.You have been divorced at some point.Sorry, you are not eligible to collect spousal benefits.Sorry, you must be married for at least one year.Sorry, you must wait until you are at least 62 to collect spousal benefits.You can collect up to 50% of your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount, which may be reduced by the Family Maximum if there are also young dependents.You can collect up to 50% of your spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount or 100% of your own benefits, whichever is greater.YesNoNoYesYesNoHave you been married for at least one year?Has your spouse filed for benefits on their own record?Are you caring for a child that is yours and your spouse's, who is eligible for dependent care benefits on your spouse's record and is under age 16 or became disabled prior to age 22?Are you 62 or older?Is your spouse eligible for Social Security on their work record?NoYesYesNoDid you have a child with your spouse?YesNoYesCan you collect benefits on your own work history?Were you entitled to benefits based on someone else’s record in the month before the month you married your spouse?You may be able to claim benefits under your current spouse’s work record.Did you remarry and are you currently married?START HERE
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Weiser Financial Planning, LLC is a Fiduciary, and Fee-Only Financial Planning Firm. A Registered Investment Adviser in Lewis Center, OH that provides Comprehensive Financial Planning and Investment Management Services to clients in the Columbus & Central Ohio area, as well as Nationwide though online virtual meetings. Ryan J. Weiser CFP®, CDFA® is the president and founder of Weiser Financial Planning LLC. He helps people connect their money with the things that are most important to them by making wise financial decisions, so they can maximize their money and live the best life possible. 

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