24 Jun How long do I have to work to get my own Social Security?

Q. My husband was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer – him and Biden in the same week. Anyway, he gets Social Security and I never worked long enough to get my own benefits, though I will have to start working someday. How can I figure out when I get benefits — I’m 62 — because I only want to work enough to get a check if it will be enough to cover the bills. We don’t have a lot saved for retirement and his Social Security has made all the difference.
— Wife

A. We’re sorry to hear about your husband.

You are smart to plan ahead, however difficult.

To be eligible for monthly Social Security payments, you must be age 62 or older and have worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more, said Victoria Cannillo, a financial analyst with Baron Financial Group in Fair Lawn.

If you have not met the working requirement, you would not be eligible to get your own Social Security benefits, she said

However, given that your husband receives Social Security, it is possible that you can potentially collect a portion of his benefits based on his work record, Cannillo said.

“The longer you wait to apply for the spousal benefit, the higher the benefit will be — waiting until Full Retirement Age, which can differ based on the year you were born,” she said.

If born in or after 1960, the age is 67.

If you decide to work while receiving benefits, you will want to be cognizant of not earning more than your earnings limit. You can calculate your earnings limit on SSA.gov

Consider working with a fee-only financial planner, if you are not already, to help you with retirement planning. You can also make an appointment with Social Security to get a better idea of what specific benefits you may receive.

Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.

This story was originally published in June 2025.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.