can a clergy exempt from social security claim retirement benefits from spouse.?

Question

If a clergy filed a form 4361 exempting himself from social security, can that person, at retirement age, claim benefits through their spouce, not withstanding they did not participate in social secuity for religious reasons?

Answer 1

I couldn't find a direct answer to your question. I did note that only income for services performed as a minister are exempt from social security taxes. If you had earnings not related to ministry at any point, social security taxes should have been paid on those earnings. This could qualify you for some benefits on your own. By the same logic, I see no reason why you would not be entitled to benefits though your spouse equal to those a non-minister would be entitled to though their spouse.

Because claiming the exemption in the first place is supposed to be based on a 'conscientious objection' to 'public insurance', you have to decide for yourself if you can ethically accept such benefits.

Answer 2

All of the needed and wanted information can be found using the below enclosed website and they can also locate a local SSA office in their area for this purpose also OK. NO that will NOT be the way that this will work out as long as they are both still alive and drawing their SSB payment amounts each year OK. If drawing on his would result in a larger amount then YES she MIGHT be able to change it to that way BUT to get the CORRECT answers and the information use the above enclosed website and get started to try and get it CORRECT OK. Hope that you find the above enclosed information useful. 06/13/2013 ssa.gov/

Answer 3

The clergyman is entitled to no social security until the spouse dies and the clergyman is 65 or older. He can file for her benefits.