Q&A: Can a Homemaker Collect Social Security Benefits?

Q:  My wife has been a homemaker our entire marriage for 35 years. Will she be eligible for social security when she reaches the age of 65, even though she did not have a paying job outside of the home?

A:  Yes, non-working spouses can collect Social Security.  Homemakers can qualify for Social Security spousal benefits based on her husband’s work history.  Your wife will be able to collect Social Security as early as age 62 (although her benefits will be reduced for every month she collects benefits before her retirement age).

Her benefit will be half of your PIA (the amount you will receive at your full retirement age).  If you took your benefits early, her spousal benefit will be based on the reduced amount you are receiving.

Social Security spousal benefits can be taken anywhere between ages 62 and 70, however, benefits do not continue to accrue beyond full retirement age for spouses, so it’s best to take spousal benefits by age 66.

To learn more about this topic please read “Can a Full Time Homemaker Collect Social Security?”