Social Security Spousal Benefits Could Boost Your Retirement

Marriage provides numerous benefits. However, one of the most significant advantages remains largely unknown to many couples: Social Security spousal benefits. These benefits can substantially impact your retirement income and may exceed the amount you would receive based on your own work record.

Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits

Social Security spousal benefits serve as a critical financial protection mechanism for married couples. These benefits enable eligible spouses to receive a portion of their partner’s Social Security retirement or disability benefits. This provision addresses two primary situations effectively.

First, it protects couples where only one spouse accumulated sufficient Social Security credits to qualify for benefits. Second, it assists couples where significant income disparities existed during their working years. Importantly, claiming spousal benefits does not reduce your spouse’s benefit amount in any way.

It’s essential to distinguish spousal benefits from survivor benefits. Survivor benefits become available only after a spouse’s death. Additionally, divorced spouses may qualify for these benefits under specific circumstances.

Social Security Spousal Benefits Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements are clearly defined for Social Security spousal benefits. Your spouse must already be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. This represents the fundamental requirement for spousal benefit eligibility.

Subsequently, you must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

• You must be at least 62 years old
• You may be caring for a child under 16 who receives benefits on your spouse’s record
• You may be caring for a disabled child of any age who receives benefits on your spouse’s record

Many individuals who dedicated years to child-rearing or caregiving responsibilities may find their work history resulted in limited Social Security credits. Consequently, spousal benefits can provide essential retirement income for these individuals.

Social Security Spousal Benefits for Divorced Spouses

Divorce does not automatically eliminate your eligibility for Social Security spousal benefits. You may still claim benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record if specific requirements are met.

The marriage must have lasted a minimum of 10 years. Additionally, you must be at least 62 years old or caring for a qualifying child. Remarriage generally disqualifies you from receiving spousal benefits from your ex-spouse. However, this restriction is lifted if your new marriage ends through divorce, annulment, or death.

Notably, your ex-spouse’s remarriage does not affect your eligibility. Both you and their new spouse can receive benefits from the same record. The Social Security Administration maintains confidentiality regarding your benefit claims and will not notify your ex-spouse.

Social Security Spousal Benefits Calculation Methods

The maximum spousal benefit equals 50% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount at their full retirement age. Your full retirement age varies based on your birth year:

• Born 1943-1954: Age 66
• Born 1955: Age 66 and 2 months
• Born 1956: Age 66 and 4 months
• Born 1957: Age 66 and 6 months
• Born 1958: Age 66 and 8 months
• Born 1959: Age 66 and 10 months
• Born 1960 or later: Age 67

Waiting until your full retirement age ensures you receive the complete 50% benefit. Unlike regular Social Security benefits, spousal benefits do not increase beyond your full retirement age. Early claiming strategies result in permanent benefit reductions. At age 62, you may receive as little as 32.5% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount.

Strategic Timing and Claiming Strategies

You may begin collecting Social Security spousal benefits at age 62. However, the timing decision requires careful consideration of your financial circumstances and health status.

The reduction formula operates systematically. Benefits decrease by 25/36ths of 1% for each month before full retirement age, up to 36 months. Beyond 36 months, the reduction rate becomes 5/12ths of 1% per additional month.

For example, if you were born in January 1960 and claim benefits in January 2026, you would be claiming 12 months before your full retirement age of 67. Your benefit would be reduced to approximately 45.84% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount.

Waiting until your full retirement age provides the maximum 50% benefit. There’s no advantage to delaying beyond this point, as spousal benefits do not earn delayed retirement credits.

Understanding the Earnings Test

If you claim Social Security benefits before your full retirement age while still working, the earnings test may apply. This test can temporarily reduce your benefits if your earnings exceed certain thresholds.

How to Apply for Social Security Spousal Benefits

When applying for Social Security spousal benefits, you automatically apply for benefits based on your own work record as well. The Social Security Administration will pay the higher of the two amounts through deemed filing rules.

Online applications are available starting at age 61 and 9 months through the Social Security website. If both you and your spouse maintain My Social Security accounts, you can estimate your potential spousal benefit.

Application Process Steps:

• Access your account and locate the “Plan for Retirement” section
• Select “See what you could receive from a spouse” if you don’t qualify for your own benefits
• Choose “Include a spouse?” if you do qualify for your own benefits
• Enter your desired benefit start age and your spouse’s retirement benefit estimate at their full retirement age

This information is available in your spouse’s My Social Security account. The application process is straightforward. Nevertheless, contact Social Security directly if you have questions about your specific circumstances.

Social Security spousal benefits represent a substantial opportunity for couples to maximize their retirement income. Whether you’re planning for the future or approaching retirement, understanding these benefits can significantly impact your financial security.

Therefore, take time to examine your options carefully. Consider how spousal benefits might integrate into your comprehensive retirement strategy. You’ve earned these benefits through your marriage and your spouse’s work history. Ensure you receive all Social Security benefits to which you’re entitled.