I know a couple who got married in Vegas 15 years ago. They have seperated but never divorced. The wife is turning 62 this year and lives in Florida. Can she collect her husband's SS? And if so, what is the procedure or rules for doing so?

Hi,

The woman you mention could only qualify for spousal benefits if her husband is drawing his benefits, and if her own Social Security primary insurance amount (PIA) is less than 50% of her husband's PIA. A person's PIA is equal to the amount of their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing at full retirement age (FRA).

In order to claim any type of Social Security benefits a person must file an application. Applications can be filed by phone or in person at a Social Security office, but some types of applications can also be filed online on Social Security's website: https://www.ssa.gov/.

Best, Jerry