I am 42 and my husband is 69. He started receiving SSI before age 62 due to disability. When he turned 62 he was required to file for early retirement. He did not have enough credit because he was self employed. We have been married for 9 1/2 years. Can he apply for spousal benefits (because I have enough credits) if I am not at the age of entitlement?

Hi. You would have to be drawing Social Security retirement or disability (SSDI) benefits in order for your husband to be able to qualify for spousal benefits. The earliest that you can claim retirement benefits is at age 62, so unless you become entitled to SSDI benefits before then your husband wouldn't be eligible for spousal benefits.

Even if you were drawing your benefits, though, your husband could only qualify for spousal benefits if 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than his own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). However, if you die before your husband then he could potentially qualify for widower benefits, but only if your full benefit rate is higher than his Social Security retirement benefit rate.

Best, Jerry