However, filing before your spouse reaches their full retirement age results in a permanent reduction of your benefit. Furthermore, claiming spousal benefits based on a divorce does not affect the benefits your ex-spouse or any future spouse may be entitled to receive, allowing multiple parties to draw from the same work history without interference.
How to Provide SSA Spousal Benefits Marriage Proof for Your Application
You can technically file for spousal benefits as early as age 62. However, the core advantage of spousal benefits is that you can choose to receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement amount if that sum is higher than what you would get based on your own earnings record.
The relationship must have lasted at least one year, and you must be currently married or legally separated. You have several options for submitting your application.
How to Provide SSA Spousal Benefits Marriage Proof
Conversely, delaying your claim past your full retirement age—up until age 70—can increase your benefit amount. Crucially, your spouse must have accrued at least 40 Social Security credits, which generally equates to ten years of work.
More About How to apply for ssa spousal benefits
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