Form SSA-25. Certification of Election for Reduced Spouse's Benefits

Form SSA-25 serves as the Certification of Election for Reduced Spouse's Benefits. The primary purpose of this form is to allow spouses who are eligible for Social Security benefits based on their own work record and their spouse's work record to certify their election for reduced spouse's benefits. Spouses can choose to claim reduced benefits as early as age 62.

For example, if a spouse wishes to start receiving reduced benefits based on their partner's work record while delaying their own benefits, they would use this form to certify their election. The purpose is to establish the spouse's choice to receive reduced benefits and initiate the benefit payments.

The parties involved are spouses who are eligible for both their own and spousal benefits and the SSA. The form consists of sections for the applicant's and spouse's information, election details, and certification. Filling out this form correctly is important to ensure that the chosen election is processed accurately.