Claiming Social Security Spousal Benefits? Here's What Happens When You File Early
Although millions of older Americans collect a retirement benefit from Social Security today, it's not a given that you'll end up being eligible for those monthly checks. If you have a pretty bare-boned work history, or if you don't work and pay into the system at all, you may not get any Social Security -- that is, unless you're married to or divorced from someone who's eligible.One nice feature of Social Security is that it pays spousal benefits to current and former spouses of beneficiaries. But there are rules you'll need to learn if you're planning to collect spousal benefits. And you'll also need to be very careful if you're aiming to sign up for spousal benefits early.Image source: Getty Images.Continue reading
Although millions of older Americans collect a retirement benefit from Social Security today, it's not a given that you'll end up being eligible for those monthly checks. If you have a pretty bare-boned work history, or if you don't work and pay into the system at all, you may not get any Social Security -- that is, unless you're married to or divorced from someone who's eligible.
One nice feature of Social Security is that it pays spousal benefits to current and former spouses of beneficiaries. But there are rules you'll need to learn if you're planning to collect spousal benefits. And you'll also need to be very careful if you're aiming to sign up for spousal benefits early.
Image source: Getty Images.
