Social Security Spousal Benefits - MADE EASY to Understand

This video makes understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits EASY. It discloses how to qualify for spousal benefits for both married and divorced spouses and ex-spouses (respectively). It discusses the payment for spouses with, 1) no work history, 2) some work history, and 3) a lot of work history. It also covers the Social Security Length of Marriage rules (and importantly their exceptions) and gives easy to use examples so that you can calculate your own Social Security spousal benefits based on your age and the primary benefit amount of your spouse.
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Disclaimer: this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for legal, accounting, tax, or professional advice. If you have any specific questions about any legal, accounting, tax or other professional service matter you should consult the appropriate professional services provider.

[@HolySchmidt]

Check Out: *7 Reasons to Take Social Security at Age 62* -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4Ctn62Cqt6pf7s

[@Grmstrs4evr]

Just curious, do you ever do videos with the spouse on disability? How does that work or does it change anything?

[@JBM425]

I watched that video, and it is giving me food for thought. I highly recommend that (as well as your other videos).

[@stevemasuch9145]

What happens if I retire at 62, and continue to work part time? My FRA is 67, my spouse is past her FRA but short 2 credits from her own retirement. She cannot get retirement benefits until I retire. Does the reduction in benefits also apply to the spouse benefit for my income over the limit?

[@ter-terncgirl5122]

I have no ideal what to do. I make this Amount a year 200,000. A year. I am 67. I just fill out all the PAPPER work a couple weeks ago. I hope I didn’t make a mistake filling now. My C. P. A. Told me to go ahead and filled. I did. I have no ideal what I get. And I no this much I payed in a lot. Of money. I hope I dint make a mistake. Please. Give me some ideal what I will half to pay out of the. Social Security check. I am very lost about this. I would love to no something about this. Please. Terri. S. N.C.

[@NGaugeNorthport]

Jeff, I have been watching your videos ever since. I will begin collecting social security. I am now 67 an 4 months. I have owned my own successful businesses since I was 24. I’ve been married for 42 years, my wife started collecting SS when she turned 65 last year. Our 4 children are married and all doing well financially. I consider myself a fairly knowledgeable business person with multiple real estate investment properties. We set up trust funds for our grandchildren, we live within our means and own a home and have little debt. Having said all of that, I found navigating social security and Medicare to be a logistical nightmare. Thank you for your guidance and simple explanations to a typical convoluted, irrational government run agency. Like most males I hesitate to seek directions however I found your insight priceless. Than you, Jim

[@archiebunker7688]

Your groceries, car insurance, property taxes etc. should be cut in half too and women live on average 7 years longer than men don't they? You can have Medicare taken from a checking account if that's any better.

[@josha963]

This is the best video on this topic I’ve seen. Thanks a lot for clearing up some questions I had.

[@juliebridge7590]

New subbie, anyway thanks for answering people's questions. I realize you are very busy, but it makes someone like me want to follow you all the more! It seems that you really care!!

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks for the kind words (and subscribing)! I'll post another video at 12:00PM ET today. The twice a week.

[@lyndagilliland2994]

Thank you. I have been reading about benefits. You are easy to understand

[@maryclarelewis594]

This was a little trickier to follow but I did pick up some new info. Thanks!

[@lalaC959]

Wow this answered all my questions (unless the SS changed rules recently)! You earned like from me!

[@gameplayer1980]

Amazing overview covering all scenarios.

[@vib.3969]

Thank you for your channel. The information you present is clear and to the point. I find it very helpful and will be sharing your videos with my friends.

[@HolySchmidt]

+Vi B. Thanks for the positive feedback

[@jimhagan697]

GREAT ADVICE AS ALWAYS.THANKS SO MUCH.JIM H.

[@frugalhousesitter5520]

Liked and subbed, got on the Schmidtlist. Thanks, I need to watch this again.

[@cdekate3144]

This video helped out so much when deciding moms retirement benefits.

[@Adi-S]

Thank You! Finally I understand it!

[@kellybaumann1450]

Thanks for your easy to understand vidios!

[@barbaraebner5889]

Your explanations are well presented. Thank You!

[@HolySchmidt]

My pleasure

[@chelin7023]

Great information. Something to ponder ... Thank you!

[@HolySchmidt]

My pleasure

[@mishawilliams8051]

Your delivery is the most understandable. I like how you stay on the particular topic and explain in a clear and concise manner. I was about file for spousal support and realized with your help, that I’m better off waiting til FRA or at least not at age 62 my age come September 2022.🙆🏽‍♀️

[@lschoch4082]

Hi my name is lolita schoch..my husband died last nov.15.2019..he is is us citizen..how can i claim my survivor widow benifit..we been married since 2003..

[@budj13]

This is a huge service to watchers. My spouse is older than I and we actually had to go into the SSA office to get questions answered regarding spousal benefits. In our case, she filed at full retirement age and I waited two years past full retirement age. We are filling for her spousal benefits when I file for my benefits.

[@jdenino6022]

I'm not the only one who is confused here.

[@brendabaker3953]

GREAT Video... Oh In My Long Text I Forgot To Give Hubby’s Age And The Spouse’s Age... Hubby Will Be 70 In March And Wife Will Be 63 In April. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR VERY INTERESTING And INFORMATIVE Video!!!!!

[@brega6286]

Yes...it always depends ! The rules are crazy.

[@user-ey9bt7fs6n]

Another great educational information video. MR Schmidt is on vacation.

[@litrealred6840]

First time listening! Thanks information!

[@HolySchmidt]

You bet

[@andielliott7721]

Good info...thank you.

[@DaveM-FFB]

You provided some really valuable information in this video. Thank you! There are so many scenarios, spousal benefits can be confusing.

[@spankynater4242]

Just don’t get married, problem solved.

[@DaveM-FFB]

@@spankynater4242 LOL! Seriously though,, a couple can live more economically than two singles. The hard part is finding the right one - the first time.

[@kimrodriguez1698]

Ha! Wow, does this make me feel better. Didn't work long enough during my life to qualify for Social Security benefits on my own. However, my younger, hard-working spouse will be taking social security when he's 62. I'll be 68 at that time, and that's when I can apply for the Social Security Spousal benefit!

[@ArabellaPottery]

The horrible truth is that most spousals are women, and as usual social security punishes them more harshly then men. Example: A man receives $37,194.80 in yearly S.S benefits. Out of that $1,978.80 is taken out to pay for part B. That is 5.32% of his benefits. A woman's benefit is $18,590.80 minus the exact same part B payments of $1,978 80. . But that comes out to 10.64% of her benefit. TWICE what a man pays. Every woman should be writing their congressperson. This applies to anyone who gets less benefits.

[@susanruzicka2555]

I would like you to expand on rules of ex-spouse benefits and filing, please. Neither old enough to get full benefits.

[@carolynortiz1817]

Makes good sense.

[@qmoonwalker3847]

Great videos. Subscribed and started watching many of them regarding SS (current interest since I'm turning 63 and want to understand it better). Can you please do a video on survivor benefits? Thanks!!

[@carlenekingery2246]

I’d like a ‘survivor’ benefits video also. My husband and I are both 63-yrs-old and I’m certain I’ll outlive my husband.

[@velyndabertomen]

Thank you sincerely for all the info you share. Do you have a video related to spousal benefits for a significantly younger spouse who cares for the primary filer's child? I've done some reading on this topic, but would greatly appreciate your more experienced perspective. My spouse and I meet the marriage length requirement and are the biological parents of a child who is under 18 years of age. There is a noticeable age gap between myself and my spouse, where my spouse qualifies to collect social security this year at age 62. What criteria do we need to consider? I also understand that our child qualifies to collect against my spouse until the age of 18. Thank you in advance for tackling this unique topic.

[@stanleyjones6705]

I just started watching a few months ago. my wife is on disability, has been for years.i didn't know I could fill against her benefits.(no one told us) got ahold of ss and filed. benefit check came last week just before Christmas.

[@christinagurchinoff1517]

Really?

[@marshallhosel1247]

Thank you.

[@nospamallowed4890]

Excellent video, it was the most useful of all of the videos I saw on the topic, even though my personal situation is even more complex than this and I know I will end up needing to get a personal Social Security / Medicare consultant. And pardon my ignorance about youtube... is it possible to subscribe to your SocialSecurity and Medicare videos but not "everything"?

[@redeagle9312]

Thanks.

[@ovakem]

THANK YOU

[@christopherlynch3314]

That video was the Schmidt! I can tell you really give a Schmidt!

[@bhampatty1]

This video is very informative. I do think filing for spousal benefits on my husband is a wise move. However, I have no idea how to do it. Can you advise? Is there an online form that we can use to file?

[@stevebutler8387]

Thank you

[@suz0000]

Thank you for answering the question I’ve had for a while & could never find answer to!! Have been divorced 5 years, after being married 31, and wanted to know if I had to wait for him to file. We don’t speak so don’t want to ask him. Question…how can I find out if half of his is more than my full benefit? I doubt it is, but might be. I can’t reach a live person by phone & cannot find the answer on the website. Thanks!!

[@PBG345]

Is there a good calculator or decision tree available for this topic ?

[@bobnieser170]

Can you comment on the Windfall Elimination Provision? We are both 61.

[@tawnyavanterve2334]

Hi Mr. Schmidt, I am enjoying your videos about retirement (I am so confused in general). Anyway, my question is at marker 5:18 when you mention a "$250 top up", where does that number come from? I get lost at this point. Does everyone get a $250 top up? And I am assuming no one gets over 50% of the primary's FRA amount if we choose to take that instead of our own amount of working benefits.

[@troy9618]

Thank you for your videos! What if your spouse has passed away are you entitled to any of that even if you’re working?

[@dipaknadkarni62]

Always a great post. My personal issue. My wife and I joined the Us Navy 30 years ago. She died on active duty in 2014. I retired recently last year at nearly 30 years. I receive my retirement. I have a part time job. Not sure when I will retire and I know that SS depends on when you receive it. So if I retire at 62, 65, 67 (my full retirement). When do I take survivor benefits and then take my own. Possibly based on employment and full retirement age. Thanks.

[@suzanne9128]

Very helpful video! Question-- If my spouse, who was in the military our entire marriage of 25 years, and we are now divorced ( he is 3 1/2 years younger-) can I apply for benefits at 64 prior to him applying? I do have some benefits but he, of course has more. How do I determine what I am entitled to?

[@karenholt8441]

Clear as Mud!

[@gwendolynsiegrist9179]

Would you please speak on ‘divorcee benefit?’My financial advisor said that when I am divorced for 2 years, I can file for an increased amount (possibly up to $300/mo), & would be paid from my former spouses paid-in monies, (not his monthly SS check). I understand the divorcee benefit is only an option for those born in 1953 or earlier.

[@MBihon2000]

Simple computation for spousal benefit who never work or contributed to SS, upon FRA of primary earner the spouse will get half the amount of the primary earners SS pension benefits.

[@bridgecross]

I have had so many people tell me (including retired family members!) that the 50% spousal benefit had been cancelled. They never filed for it, and took their own much lower benefit based on work history.

[@maggielucas8667]

my husband is on SS disability since 2017. i’m 62, can i apply for SS thru my husband’s social security benefits?

[@lisahochman4936]

Excellent video. Background--I am the older spouse. Neither of us has reached FRA or filed for benefits. Spouse will receive substantially more than me at FRA. Spouse recently passed away. Possible strategy-I file for MY benefit when I turn 65 (and am eligible for Medicare) and then switch to survivor benefit when I reach my FRA. Question-Is this the best strategy? And how does FRA for survivor benefits differ from FRA? And-is there anything else I should consider? Thank You!

[@kimjay2697]

I would like to see a more in-depth video on the spouse that’s in the “murky” area. The one with the spouse having a benefit that is less then half of the primary and she picks the rest up later. You made it sound like she can either claim her own benefit or half of her spouse’s, not both…so I’m confused.🤔 In my eg: I’m wanting to receive my benefit in June of 2022 (at 62). Hubby isn’t receiving until 2023 at 65. I’m thinking I can receive mine until he retires and then get the “top off” to equal 50% of what he receives at that point. Correct? Or am I stuck with only my own because I filed before him?

[@Semiam1]

What would be beneficial is to have a calculator where you could plug in different scenarios

[@thankswillie]

question,we are both collecting,,while i still work,my income has gone way up...WILL they recalculate both,, now that i am making more $$...thanks,,good info that i almost missed accouple of years ago

[@b0borden437]

Can you pick which one (your benefit or ex-spouse) OR does SSA automatically give you the higher? I would prefer the lower one and switch to the higher one at age 70? I cannot get through to my local SS office & it's frustrating.

[@toddtavares7386]

Geoff, the information was great. But all of the edits where the zoom level keeps changes make the video VERY difficult to watch.

[@SuperMarioVending]

Hi Jeff, I keep coming back to your explanation as the clearest and most useful reference! Do I understand correctly that the "spousal benefit %" is "pegged" the day spouse starts collecting? I know that the spousal benefit does not kick in until the Primary Benefit partner starts collecting. However, the caveat (and my question) regarding the spouse collecting earlier than the Primary, is that the spousal benefit % is pegged the date when the spouse stated collecting, even though the benefit may not be triggered until years later when the Primary Benefit partner starts collecting. It seems this can have a big impact if the Primary's benefit far exceeds that of the Spouse's benefit. Thanks so much!!

[@SuperMarioVending]

Hi Jeff, I figured out that I was incorrect: The Spousal Benefit % is pegged at the Age of Entitlement. This is the spouse's age when the spousal benefit becomes available, basically when higher income person starts collecting.

[@soupy01833]

if my wife is on federal retirement plan is she still entitled to SS spousal benefits?

[@spearsba]

But does the primary filer’s benefit reduce, or does the ex spouse get their own payment

[@robskully3539]

I got a question for you ... lets see if you can answer it. My Wife is on SSDI and get 1400 a month and is 61 years old this year. I read that when she hits her full retirement age 66 and 8 months her SSDI turns into regular SS. If so does than mean she can get it changed to half of what I would get ? I would be over 70 ( the age that I plan on talking SS ) so I would already be collecting SS before she hits her FRA. As of right now mine at 70 will be 3600 so half for her would be 1800 which would be half mine. My question is ... would she get that OR half of what I would have got at my FRA of 66 ?

[@RobertFilipovich]

I was wondering in order to get spousal benefits, do you have to file after the primary files to get the top up? For instance my Mother in law filed for hers at 63, father in law filed 2 years later at 67, would she have gotten the top up automatically or does she have to file for it? Thanks for these great videos as we plan our retirement.

[@Meechka]

She has to contact social security and tell them she wants spousal benefits.

[@kathyfrazier9522]

Interesting. The problem that a friend of mine encountered is she married a man with three children they had two more children. Then he being older an smarter after they had been married for 9 1/2 years he decided to divorce her an marry the nanny. She had just given birth to their last child and had not even gotten home from the hospital. The social security rules should have a clause for this especially since she had not worked.

[@n1ice1]

My friend tells me she can never collect from her spouse due to a weird rule. Can you touch on this situation were folks have been teachers and or on disability but cannot collect on a spouse if he dies?

[@chainsaw76d]

Okay crazy question. If one was married 17 years, got a divorce and then remarried and has been married to the 2nd spouse for 20 years, which person collects the spousal benefit and does it lower the benefit of the one who is retiring?

[@jeroldpaquette9068]

Oh, and put on a nice tie, at the least!

[@ireneamaru1193]

If I will retire at age 67, and I have a retirement of ex. $1K, how much total do I get from my husband(provided he has filed already) using the example you use? Thank you.

[@JonWMeyer]

Can you do a video on maximum family benefits with one or more adult disabled children and spousal benefits? Even local SS people don;t seem to fully understand these rules.

[@eb1266]

I know, I have the same situation and I can't find the answer

[@DaGleedsta]

HI! I just came across this video and want to clarify when you say that a spouse with no work history should take the spousal benefit at FRA-- Are you saying that the 50% is based on the FRA (age 67+10 mos in my case) even if the Primary waits until age 70? It wasn't fully clear to me in the video. Thank you for the video-- very helpful!

[@zinkazoy]

Very helpful, thanks. Question: are the rules any different if the primary spouse is collecting SSDI?

[@johnstuckey2384]

Thanks for the video, the only other question is whether her Social Security benefits are reduced by the Federal Windfall Reduction that's placed on my Social Security benefits to calculate her 35% at the age of 62? or will she receive the full benefits payments at age 62 35% without being penalized?

[@stonequah]

My question is about we had trucking business and paid In ss some years may have not a few times because loss on equipment or showed not much income on a year. Had business 13 years hubby was driver I stay home run office some dispatching. We did taxes together as partners he 60 /40 . I was told ss I don’t qualify for disability if I needed it. Why is that ? Just want know what I can do . We went out business in 2019 he got job but I haven’t yet been hired anywhere and covid hit made it hard on me get one too.

[@oshtoolman]

sounds like I need to visit my local office!!! However, I filed for social security as early as possible because I retired from a law enforcement position. So I fall under the WEP garbage. Can my spouse (both of us are now 71) still file and get some $$$ ?

[@sst3d]

Question: I have a non-citizen wife (for three years) ...She has not paid into the system and is unlikely to pay into it enough quarters to have her own. She plans on becoming a citizen, however, if she doesn’t she must stay in the states to keep the benefit. I’m 65 and will wait until I’m at full benefit...she’s 45...she will be entitled to something at 62 (if she meets citizenship or residency requirements) ....I’ll start out at about $2,600/ month....what’s she gonna get? Thanks

[@pegsilverwood2869]

I am 68 and going to work to 70 and possibly beyond. I’ve been married more than once and currently divorce my first husband Took out retirement at around 60. He is 3 years older than me. Am I qualified to file for spousal benefits or does this not apply for my situation?

[@wade5941]

I understand the rules, but not sure how to actually apply for the benefit. Do I file a special form or does SS just do it automatically. I am FRA. My wife is 62 with her own SS earnings (half of mine). I just started collecting. If my wife starts collecting her SS (at the reduced rate) does SS automatically reduce the spousal benefit accordingly that is included in her benefit.

[@bigkahuna3085]

What if the spouse that would get spousal benefits was a civil servant and never met the SS requirments to recieve benifits? They did pay in a little just not enough.

[@rogeliomartinez7211]

MR Schmidt. I have a question. I'm 64 and my wife is 62 'she is a higher earner" and we are planning on waiting to apply at full retirement age. Will my wife able to apply for spousal benefits for the two years in the mean time that she applies for her self?

[@mokogold9414]

What is maximum amount $ / mo. for social security that people receive ?

[@erichollimon5148]

Hey Mr.Schimdt is it possible to get spousal benefits of only a 7 year marriage if both of us get Social Security Disability benefits and are in our 40s?

[@Orehia]

Widow question, Spouse passes 2016, never filed.. Cancer took him our 2016.He was 55. Words seem to be key here.Spousal benefits,social security...etc. Like to help my friend. Does she need a social worker?.

[@RobertBrown-mm3un]

Together 30 years, california registered domestic partners for 20 years, partner passed away unexpectedly... I wished we had married, for many reasons including SS... ☮🙏

[@dianebarron8362]

I am in Missouri and I have been a full time mother and have not worked I worked for 10 tears before marriage however social security says I do not qualify for social security benefits so I will be riding me husbands social s benefits we are both 68 and have not filed yet are we in danger? or too late?

[@peterchirico2153]

I waited til age 70 and 1/2 to get the highest SSI there is. My wife is 62 and has also worked. She is thinking about filing for her benefits now. I inquired with SSA as to whether the the spousal benefit would bring her monthly benefit to 50 % of mine and was told that does not or can not happen until she is at her full retirement age of 67. This does not sound the same and the way you explained it. Can you tell me what I am missing here or is the SSA agent wrong ?

[@warmpapi]

What if you (as primary) File for Retirement/Social security benefits and your spouse has been on Disability? Would the Spouse's disability increase to 50% before the spouse hits 62 or 67? Or does the 50% spousal benefit require the spouse to be at 62 or 67 to receive 50%?

[@Thebeekeeper568]

I would love to sit down and learn how to play this instrument. If anyone knows of who I can reach out for classes please let me know. Much appreciated 🙏

[@mmills264]

Can a spouse receiving CRS federal retirement benefits receive social security spousal survivor benefits?

[@011219551]

How hard is it for the SSA to find the correct SS# for a spouse that died in 1992? I'm now 67, my x & I were married 11 years. I just found out he died from my SSA lady, that was helping me. My phone appt. is set up for Aug. 11th. Just wondering how hard it is to find all the correct SS#'s. Thanks for your help!!!

[@SAllen-or9en]

But do the SS video comments apply to a spouse who has worked for public school pension system that does NOT contribute to SS? There are about 13-15 such states in the US accounting for tens of thousands of married couples.

[@christinecurley1399]

Need info on survivor benefits

[@innabrinsfield9776]

Thank you for a interesting information. But what if ex wife are getting a spouse social security benefits. Can a next wife be eligible for a spouse social security benefits?

[@goththicus]

Here’s a question: your spouse is older than you and waits until his/her full retirement (67) to receive full SS benefits. The spouse has 40 credits/10+ years of work, stopped working 10 years ago. Will the spouse collect his/her full benefits and NOT the spousal benefit?

[@GumperVanLier]

If I wait until age 70 to collect and my wife wants half my SS instead of hers when she reaches FRA (67) and I would be 77. Does she get half my earnings for age 70 or the lessor amount at my FRA of 66 years, 8 months?

[@tommyfrederick7807]

Primary earner is younger than non-working spouse. If primary retires at 65 and non-working is 67, would non-working spouse get 50% of 65 year old rate?

[@jdear97]

My wife and I have both earned enough that we are near our maximums for Social Security Benefits when we retire at full retirement age. I am two years older. Do we have any consideration for Spousal Benefits.

[@cynthiao.warner9979]

Will single widows, 76 years old, get an increase in survivor's benefits for 2022 other than cola? Also, will an extra stimulus check be given in 2021?

[@DjBrownSugarV]

Question. I am 40 and my wife is 38. I get ssi, well since the date of this comment it’s going to start back up in February, I am disabled (handicap). Is my wife entitled to spousal benefits at this time. And we have been married a year already.

[@robertphillips5711]

I just watched your video, but didn't see my exact scenario and was wondering if you could comment on it. I am the primary earner and my wife does have a earning record. She is older than me, and plans on waiting to file at FRA. Her benefits are lower than her spousal benefits under my record. I do plan on filing early, but not for a year after her. My question is: Can my wife file for benefits at her FRA and then change her filing to spousal benefits after I file?

[@oivie1332]

Before you can do the switch but not now meaning if you file SS early then you are stuck with the same amount for the rest of your natural life. This is my "current" understanding. Heck, I heard joe is trying to change the Roth requirement which could impact millions of retirees as well as the whole US financial system.

[@andreawisner7358]

I've read several articles on spousal benefits but they never cover the situation where the spouse is much older than the primary earning spouse. The always assume an older male who has earned more money. Please address the issue where the spouse is much older and already started receiving benefits at full retirement age. Say the primary hits 62 and claims benefits. Then can the spouse switch over to spousal benefits, and does he get 50% of the primary's FRA benefit or only 50% of 70%‽

[@devhoward223]

I am 10 years younger than spouse. what if I collect early retirement and he also collects early retirement afterwards passing away. what would be the % I would receive from the survivor benefits as he makes 3x as much.

[@harolddouglas4057]

Me: DOB=1941 Spouse: DOB=1947 I took benefit of $800 at age 62. Spouse took benefit of $2200 at age 66. Am I entitled to a dual entitlement of 1/2 of spouse's benefit?

[@pattynellis7347]

So when my spouse retires I have to allpy for spousal at that time or can I wait