Can I apply for spousal Social Security benefits online or need in-person appointment at 62?

Yes, you can apply for both at the same time through the online application! When you complete the application for retirement benefits, there's a section that asks if you're also applying for spousal benefits. Make sure you answer "yes" to that question and provide your husband's Social Security number. The system will then automatically determine which benefit gives you the higher amount. Just keep in mind that filing at 62 means you'll get a permanently reduced benefit - both on your own record and on the spousal benefit. You'll get approximately 70% of your full retirement age benefit and only about 32.5% of your husband's benefit amount instead of the full 50% you'd get at your full retirement age.

i filed last yr and yes u can do it all online its pretty easy actually. just make sure u have ur husbands SSN and his date of birth. the online thing walks u thru it step by step. took me like 30 min tops

I tried doing this last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!! The online system kept crashing when I tried to add my husband's information. Ended up having to call them anyway. And then they told me I wasn't eligible for spouse benefits because my own benefit was higher!!! Wasted hours for nothing. Good luck!

The online application does allow you to apply for both retirement and spousal benefits simultaneously. However, there are some important factors to consider: 1. If your own retirement benefit is higher than your spousal benefit (even with the reduction for filing early), you'll only receive your own benefit. 2. If your spousal benefit would be higher, you'll receive your own benefit plus the difference to equal the spousal amount. 3. At 62, your own benefit is reduced to about 70% of your full amount, and your spousal benefit is reduced to about 32.5% of your husband's full benefit amount. 4. The online system should calculate all this automatically once you provide both your work history and your husband's information. If you have a complicated situation (previous marriages, foreign work, government pension, etc.), then an appointment might be better. Otherwise, the online application should handle everything.

I tried to call the SS office for 2 weeks and couldn't get through. Then someone told me about this service called Claimyr that got me through to a live agent in 20 minutes. You might want to check out their video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU to see how it works. Saved me from having to drive an hour to the office. The agent was able to confirm that I could apply for both benefits online, but she also answered some other questions I had.

My sister just went through this last month! She did everything online and it worked fine. Got her first payment 4 weeks later. But when she checked her account the benefit amount was less than she expected and now she's trying to figure out if they calculated it wrong or if that's just how much she gets.

You can absolutely apply for both simultaneously online. The SSA's system is designed to evaluate all benefits you might be eligible for when you submit your retirement application. Here's what happens with your application: 1. You'll apply for your retirement benefits online at ssa.gov 2. In the application, you'll indicate that you're married and provide your husband's information including his SSN 3. The system automatically determines whether you qualify for spousal benefits 4. SSA will pay you the higher of either your own benefit or the combination of your benefit plus a spousal supplement One important note: If you're still working, be aware of the earnings limit ($22,320 for 2025 when you're under full retirement age). Earning over this amount will reduce your benefits temporarily until you reach your full retirement age.

somebody said u get both benefits added together thats wrong!!! u only get the higher of the two not both added up. my cousin thought she was gonna get both and was real disappointed