Spousal & Divorced Benefits
Comprehensive Guide: Applying for SSA-2 Spousal Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 6, 2026
The short answer
Form SSA-2 is Social Security's application for spouse's or divorced spouse's benefits. Individuals who are within three months of age 62 or older can apply for spousal benefits online. Applications can also be made by phone or through a local Social Security office.
For a current spouse to receive spousal benefits, the worker must have filed for and be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. SSA may require information or documentation to establish age, marriage, and other eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Benefits
To qualify for spousal benefits, the applicant must:
- * Be the worker’s legal or deemed spouse;
- * Have a spouse who has filed for and is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits;
- * Be age 62 or older, or have in their care the worker’s entitled child who is under age 16 or disabled;
- * Have an own retirement or disability PIA that is less than one-half of the worker’s PIA; and
- * Meet the applicable marriage-duration requirement.
The standard marriage-duration requirement is one continuous year immediately before the application is filed. Specific exceptions to the one-year requirement apply, including when the spouse is the natural parent of the worker’s child.
RS 00202.001 View source ›Required Documentation for Spousal Benefits Application
SSA-2 is the application used to apply for spouse’s benefits. The application may be completed electronically through SSA’s online application process or with Social Security by phone or through a local office.
SSA may require information or documentation to establish eligibility, including:
- * Proof of age;
- * Evidence of the marital relationship;
- * Evidence that a prior marriage ended, when applicable; and
- * Evidence of a qualifying child in care, when applying on that basis.
A marriage certificate is not required in every case. SSA may accept information provided on the application to establish a ceremonial marriage when SSA’s requirements are met. Additional evidence of the marriage is required in certain circumstances.
Applicants should not delay filing because a requested document is unavailable. Missing evidence can be provided after the application is filed.
RS 00202.050 View source ›RS 00202.070Deemed Filing and Coordination of Benefits
For individuals born January 2, 1954 or later, deemed filing applies when they are eligible for both their own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit.
When deemed filing applies, filing for either benefit is treated as filing for both retirement and spousal benefits. This means an individual cannot choose to receive only a spousal benefit while delaying their own retirement benefit to earn delayed retirement credits.
An exception applies to certain spouses receiving benefits because they have a qualifying child in their care. Deemed filing also does not apply to survivor benefits.
GN 00204.035 View source ›Frequently asked
What is SSA-2?
SSA-2 is the application for Social Security spouse’s benefits. SSA uses the information provided through the application process to determine eligibility for benefits on a spouse’s earnings record.
Can I apply for SSA-2 spousal benefits online?
Yes. An individual who is within three months of age 62 or older can apply for spouse’s benefits online. Applications can also be made by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or through a local Social Security office.
Does my spouse have to already be receiving Social Security before I can receive spousal benefits?
Yes. For a current spouse to receive spousal benefits, the worker must have filed for and be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Different rules apply to divorced spouses.
Can I receive spousal benefits if I have been married for less than one year?
Yes, in certain circumstances. The standard requirement is that you must have been married to the worker for at least one continuous year immediately before the application is filed. However, the one-year requirement does not apply if a) You are the natural parent of the worker’s biological child, or b) in the month before the marriage, you were entitled—or could have been entitled if you had applied and were old enough—to certain Social Security benefits or qualifying Railroad Retirement benefits.