Social Security Q&A

Q: What percentage of a worker's benefit may a spouse be entitled to?

A: A spouse receives one-half of the retired worker's benefit if the spouse retires at full retirement age. If the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age, those benefits will be reduced by a percentage based on how much earlier the spouse retires. However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is either under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits, a spouse gets full spouse benefit (one-half of the worker's benefit) regardless of age. If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefit first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you'll receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse's benefit. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q: I am receiving Social Security benefits. Can I change my address online?

A: Yes, if you receive Social Security benefits you can change your address online at www.socialsecurity.gov/coa

Once there, you will be asked a series of questions and your answers must match our records to prove your identity. Then, you can change your address quickly and easily. If you have a password, you can change your address without answering the identifying questions. Get a password by going to www.socialsecurity.gov/password. If you have further questions, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.