Does being a Domestic Partner in California count as being "married" for Social Security Benefits (like Spousal or Survivor's Benefits), and if Yes then how long (9 months? 10 years?) must you be a Domestic Partner for you to be entitled to get Benefits, and how long after a partner's death can you apply for those Benefits? Thanks for your time.
Reggie

Been separated since 2002 my spouse receive SSI am I entitled for any of it

We have been married since 2003 but have been separated for over 5 years. He is currently collecting SSDI but is also a vet. But not getting VA benefits that I am aware of. He is 50 I am 38. I wanted to know if I am entitled to get any of his benefits? Either now. Or later. And if I am will he be informed that I’m collecting on his benefits and will his be lower bc I am collecting? Please help me. I am struggling financially and I took very good care of him while we were together so I feel I’m entitled

I am a wife collecting ($1500) 50% of my husband's Social Security. How is my benefit affected next year when my husband starts collecting his at 66? I am 68. Thank You

My 67 y.o. (This Dec.), Wife, and me, (72 this Oct. ) Both collect SS.
Can my wife collect a spousal on my account , with the new collected amount being larger than her current collected amount ?
Thank you.

Hi Larry,

I am 53 and work full time. My plan is to begin collecting SS at my full retirement age of 67 (though I would like to retire sooner). My wife is 62, does not work due to disability and collects SSDI. At my current earnings rate, my SS benefit would be about $3153/mo. My wife's SSDI is currently about $1050/mo. In order for my wife to be able to collect spousal SS based on my earnings, do we have to wait till I actually begin collecting SS? Due to our age difference, that would put as at a disadvantage since she would be 76 before I plan to collect.

Question, If My spouse is at full SSI benefits soon, But I'm not for a few more years. And I claim spousal SSI for the 50% Will That Lower their return , or SSI check 50% as well? for instance say they get $1000 a month and i ask for the $500, does their $1000 get reduced to $500 as well? Or does it not affect their pay?

Hi. My husband will be retiring soon, and we have an adult disabled child. I understand I will be eligible for child in care benefit. I see if divorced I will not qualify, but what if we are separated. Am I eligible for the benefit? I haven’t seen any info on this anywhere. Thank you so much. Janelle

A judge ordered me to receive Ssi benefits years ago because of my Lupis. Meanwhile my husband had to leave his job he is totally disabled. Im gonna be 63 he is gonna be 65. Could I file for spousal benefits now. They cannot put me on his disability

Larry, Your column is great! Excellent information! Question - My wife is 8 years older than me. She claimed her reduced retirement benefits at age 62. The spousal benefit for her will be higher than what she is getting. I plan on applying for for benefits at age 70. She will be 78 when I apply. Will she be entitled to the 8 COLA increases (not DRCs) when she applies for spousal benefits? - Curious George