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

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?

Public Comments

1. 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.
2. 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.