Social Security spousal benefits let you receive up to 50% of your spouse's full retirement benefit, even if you never worked or earned less than your spouse. To qualify in El Paso, you generally need to be at least 62 years old, your spouse must already be receiving (or be eligible for) Social Security retirement or disability benefits, and you must have been married for at least one year. Divorced spouses can also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. You can apply online, by phone, or at the El Paso SSA office. This guide covers eligibility, how the benefit is calculated, what to bring, and the smartest claiming strategies.
Quick answer
To apply for spousal benefits in El Paso, you can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at the El Paso SSA office. You must be at least 62 years old, your spouse must already be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, and you must have been married for at least 1 year. Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of your spouse's full retirement benefit. Applications take 6 weeks to process. Apply 3 months before you want benefits to start.
Who qualifies for spousal benefits
Current spouses qualify if they are at least 62 years old AND their spouse is already receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits. The marriage must have lasted at least 1 year. Spousal benefits are also available at any age if you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled and entitled to benefits on your spouse's record.
Divorced spouses qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, you are at least 62 years old, your ex-spouse is entitled to benefits, and you have not remarried. You can collect on your ex-spouse's record even if they have not yet started benefits, as long as you have been divorced at least 2 years.
Same-sex spouses qualify under the same rules as opposite-sex spouses. SSA recognizes same-sex marriages performed in any US state.
How much you can receive
If you wait until your full retirement age (currently 66 to 67, depending on birth year) to claim spousal benefits, you receive 50% of your spouse's full benefit. If you claim earlier — at age 62 — your benefit is permanently reduced to about 32.5–35% of your spouse's benefit.
Spousal benefits do NOT increase if you wait past full retirement age. There is no benefit to delaying spousal benefits beyond your full retirement age (unlike your own retirement benefit, which grows until age 70).
If you have your own work record, SSA compares your own retirement benefit to your spousal benefit and pays whichever is higher. You cannot receive both fully stacked. This is called the deemed filing rule for anyone born in 1954 or later.
Documents you need
- Your Social Security number.
- Your spouse's Social Security number.
- Your birth certificate (original or certified copy).
- Marriage certificate (original or certified copy).
- For divorced spouses: divorce decree.
- Proof of US citizenship or lawful immigration status, if not born in the US.
- W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from the most recent year (if you have a work history).
- Bank account info (routing and account number) for direct deposit.
Step-by-step application
Step 1 — Verify your spouse is receiving benefits
Spousal benefits cannot be paid until the primary spouse has filed for and started receiving their own retirement or disability benefits. If your spouse has not yet claimed, you will need to wait or strategize about when to claim. Use the SSA estimator at ssa.gov/myaccount for projected amounts.
Step 2 — Decide when to claim
Apply 3 months before you want benefits to start. Claiming at 62 reduces your benefit by about 30–35%. Claiming at full retirement age (66–67) gets you the full 50%. There is no advantage to waiting longer than full retirement age.
Step 3 — Apply online, by phone, or in person
Online is the easiest method for most retirees. Go to ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/apply.html. The application takes 20–30 minutes. By phone: 1-800-772-1213. In person: schedule an appointment at the El Paso office.
Step 4 — Submit required documents
If you applied online or by phone, SSA may request original documents by mail or in person. Send certified copies, never originals through regular mail. If you applied in person, bring everything to the appointment.
Step 5 — Wait for the decision
Spousal benefits are typically approved within 6 weeks. You will receive a written decision and notice of when your first payment will arrive. Approval is straightforward when both spouses meet the basic requirements.
Step 6 — Receive your first payment
Social Security pays in the month following the entitlement month. Direct deposit usually arrives on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on your birth date. You can set up direct deposit during the application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive my own retirement and spousal benefits at the same time?
Not stacked. SSA pays whichever is higher — your own retirement benefit OR a spousal benefit topping yours up to 50% of your spouse's benefit. The 'deemed filing' rule (for anyone born 1954 or later) requires you to claim both at the same time.
What if my spouse claimed benefits early — am I stuck with a reduced spousal benefit too?
No. Your spousal benefit is based on your spouse's full retirement age benefit, not their actual reduced benefit. So if your spouse claimed early at 62, you can still receive up to 50% of what their full benefit would have been at full retirement age.
Can I get spousal benefits if I'm still working?
Yes, but if you are below full retirement age, the earnings test may reduce your benefit. In 2026, earnings above approximately $22,320/year before full retirement age reduce benefits by $1 for every $2 earned over the limit. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn unlimited income without reduction.
What happens to spousal benefits if my spouse dies?
Spousal benefits convert to survivor benefits, which can be up to 100% of your deceased spouse's benefit. You can keep collecting on your own work record if it is higher. Learn about survivor benefits.