age 60
Your widow or widower can get reduced benefits as early as age 60. If your surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50. For more information on widows, widowers, and other survivors, visit

How can I get my husband’s Social Security number?

How can I get it? A. Your local Social Security office should be able to help you. You should bring with you a non-expired ID, your birth certificate, your marriage certificate and proof of termination of the marriage, whether through divorce or death, Social Security said.

How do I file taxes without my spouse’s Social Security number?

To file separately without the spouse’s social security number you need to file by mail. The return will not e-file. Include a cover letter with the return explaining why the SSN for the spouse is missing. (To print the return, just ignore any SSN error messages.)

Why was my husband not able to collect Social Security?

Copy Link URL Copied! Dear Liz: My husband passed away 10 years ago at age 66. I called then to see if I could collect Social Security, because he was receiving benefits when he died. Our daughter was still a minor, so she was able to collect survivor benefits until she turned 18. I was told I couldn’t collect benefits as I made too much money.

How old do you have to be to get Social Security benefits if you never worked?

Let’s start with retirement benefits and how a spouse or ex-spouse who has never worked can qualify for them. To claim Social Security spousal benefits, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, including being at least age 62 in most cases. Your spouse or ex-spouse also must be living.

How old does a spouse have to be to get Social Security?

If a husband or wife has been married for at least a year to someone who receives Social Security disability benefits, the spouse can get Social Security benefits if the spouse is 62 years old or older.

When do ex spouses get their Social Security benefits?

Your benefit as a divorced spouse can be equal to one-half of your ex’s full retirement amount only if you start receiving those benefits at your full retirement age. If you begin to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to your full retirement age, your benefits are reduced.