I am 67 and collect a state pension. I did not earn enough quarters to qualify for social security benefits. My wife is 72 and has been receiving SSA benefits for seven years. Can I receive spousal benefits on her record even though I collect a state pension?
I tried applying twice and both times SSA stated I did not earn enough credits to qualify. But I am applying for spousal benefits so its confusing.

Hi. You can apply for and potentially qualify for spousal benefits if your wife is collecting Social Security retirement benefits, but assuming that your state pension is based on your earnings that were exempt from Social Security taxes then your spousal benefits will almost certainly be offset by 2/3rds of the amount of your state pension. In that case, if your potential spousal benefit rate is less than 2/3rds of the amount of your state pension then your spousal rate will likely be reduced to zero. The reason for such an offset is the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision, which you can learn more about by reading the following Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf.

Best, Jerry