If my spouse doesn't have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security or Medicare, can my spouse qualify on my record?
The question you raised applies to husbands as well as wives. Even if your spouse has never worked under Social Security, your spouse at full retirement age can receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount. Your spouse can begin collecting benefits as early as 62 (age 65 for Medicare). However, the amount is reduced by a percentage based on the number of months the benefits start before he or she reaches full retirement age.
If your spouse will receive a pension for work not covered by Social Security such as government foreign employment, the amount of his or her Social Security benefits on your record may be reduced. Take a look at the fact sheet, Government Pension Offset for more information.
If your spouse is caring for your child who also is receiving benefits, your spouse can receive one-half of the benefit amount no matter what age. Your spouse would receive these benefits until the child reaches age 16. At that time, the child's benefits continue, but your spouse's benefits stop unless he or she is old enough to receive retirement benefits.Note: A spouse cannot begin receiving benefits before you.
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