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How a Non-Working Spouse Can Collect Social Security and Medicare Benefits at 65 Thumbnail

How a Non-Working Spouse Can Collect Social Security and Medicare Benefits at 65

Insurance Planning

If you have never worked outside the home or have not worked long enough to earn the minimum required working credits (10 years of full-time employment) to qualify for Social Security and Medicare on your own, you might be wondering how you will get benefits when you turn 65. The good news is that if you are married to someone who has worked and paid into Social Security for the required amount of time, you can qualify for benefits based on their work history.  Believe it or not, one of the main reasons why Social Security was created back in 1935 was to provide a safety net to non-working spouses, mainly women at that time, who did not normally work outside the home at the time.  Below is a review of what you need to know to access these important retirement benefits.

Social Security Benefits for a Non-Working Spouse

Even if you have never had a paying job, you can still receive Social Security retirement benefits through your spouse. Here is a brief summary of how it works:

Spousal Benefit Eligibility: You must be at least 62 years old and your spouse must be receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

 Benefit Amount: You can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit (the amount they would receive at their full retirement age, which is between 66 and 67 depending on their birth year).

Timing Matters: If you claim benefits before your full retirement age (66 or 67 based on  your year of birth), your spousal benefit will be reduced. But if you wait until your full retirement age, you will get the full 50%.

No Increase Beyond 50%: If your spouse delays claiming their benefits past their full retirement age, their benefit increases, but your spousal benefit does not—it remains capped at 50%.

Working After Claiming: If you decide to work after claiming spousal benefits before your full retirement age, your benefits could be temporarily reduced if you earn above the Social Security earnings limit.

Delayed Retirement Credits Does not Apply: While a working spouse’s benefit grows if they delay claiming past full retirement age, the spousal benefit does not increase beyond 50%.

Medicare Benefits for a Non-Working Spouse

Medicare is separate from Social Security, but they are connected in many ways. As a non-working spouse, you can qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) based on your spouse’s work record.  Here are the important points to consider:

Eligibility: Once you turn 65, you can qualify for premium-free Part A if your spouse has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).

Marriage Requirement: You must have been married for at least one year before applying.

Early Medicare for Disabled Spouses: If you are disabled, you may qualify for Medicare earlier than 65 under your spouse’s work record.

Part B Enrollment: Even though Part A is free, Part B (which covers doctor visits and outpatient care) requires a monthly premium payment. You need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday) to avoid late penalties.

Medicare Advantage and Medigap Options:  You may also want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Medigap policy to help with additional healthcare costs not covered by Medicare.

What If Your Spouse Passes Away?

If your spouse passes away, you may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits, which can be as much as 100% of their benefit if you wait until your full retirement age to claim.

Early Survivor Benefits:  You can claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), but they will be reduced.

Remarriage Rules:  If you remarry before age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), you may lose your eligibility for survivor benefits. If you remarry after that age, you can still receive benefits.

Medicare for Widows/Widowers:  If you qualified for Medicare based on your spouse’s work record, you will continue to be eligible even if your spouse passes away.

What If You Are Divorced?

You can still qualify for spousal benefits and Medicare based on an ex-spouse’s work record if:

  • Your marriage lasted at least 10 years
  • You are currently unmarried
  • Your ex-spouse is at least 62 years old (they don’t have to be claiming Social Security yet, but they must be eligible)
  • If you remarry, you generally lose the ability to collect benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record unless your later marriage ends in divorce or death.

Steps to Take Before Turning 65

To ensure you get your benefits on time, follow these steps:

Check Your Eligibility – Call the Social Security Administration (SSA) or visit their website to confirm you qualify for spousal benefits and Medicare.

Enroll in Medicare on Time – Sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties.

Apply for Spousal Benefits – Once your spouse applies for Social Security, you can apply for spousal benefits.

Set Up Direct Deposit – Social Security benefits are paid electronically, so have a bank account ready.

Compare Medicare Plans – Decide whether to stick with Original Medicare or explore Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans to enhance your coverage.

Consider Delaying Benefits – If your spouse has not claimed Social Security yet and is still working, you might want to strategize when to claim for the best long-term benefit.

To Summarize

Even if you have never worked, you can still receive financial security in retirement through Social Security and Medicare based on your spouse’s record. Planning ahead and enrolling on time will help you get the benefits you deserve. If you have questions, contact Social Security (1-800-772-1213) or Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE).  You can also go to the Social Security website at https://www.ssa.gov/.  Make sure to review your options carefully to maximize your benefits and ensure you have the healthcare coverage you need throughout retirement.

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This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Attune Financial Planning. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.