Social Security is not just about retirement savings for individuals. It also helps spouses by allowing them to claim benefits based on their partner’s work record. Let’s understand how this works with four simple facts every retired couple should know.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview Spousal Benefit Scenarios
| Situation | Eligibility Age | Benefit Amount | Notes |
| Both spouses retire at full age | 62+ | Up to 50% of partner’s benefit | No reduction if full retirement age reached |
| Spouse claims benefits early | 62 | Reduced by up to 30% | Reduction applies for early claims |
| Divorced after 10+ years of marriage | 62+ | Same as married spouse | Cannot be remarried |
| Caring for a qualifying child | Any age | Full spousal benefit | Applies if child is under 16 or disabled |
1. When can a spouse claim Social Security benefits?
To claim spousal benefits, your partner must already be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. However, your spouse doesn’t need to wait until their full retirement age to start claiming.
You also have to meet certain age requirements. Generally, you must be at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits. There is one exception: If you’re caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child who is entitled to benefits on your spouse’s record, you can claim benefits at any age.
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2. How much will the spousal benefit be?
Spousal benefits depend on your partners full retirement age benefit amount. If you wait until your full retirement age to claim, you could receive up to 50% of your spousal benefit.
Here’s the thing: Social Security compares your spouse’s benefit to your retirement benefit (based on your own work record). You’ll get the higher of the two.
If you claim benefits before your full retirement age, your payment will be reduced. For example:
- If you claim 36 months early, your benefit will be reduced by about 0.56% per month.
- If you claim more than 36 months early, the reduction for those extra months is about 0.42% per month.
3. Can delaying spousal benefits increase the amount?
While delaying your retirement benefit after your full retirement age can increase your payment by up to 8% per year until age 70, this rule doesn’t apply to spousal benefits. The maximum spousal benefit you can receive is 50% of your spouse’s full retirement age benefit, regardless of when you claim after reaching full retirement age.
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4. Can a divorced spouse claim Social Security benefits?
Yes, divorced spouses can also qualify for benefits based on their former spouse’s work record. However, there are a few rules:
- You must have been married for at least 10 years.
- You cannot be remarried when you claim benefits.
- If your former spouse is eligible for Social Security but hasn’t started claiming, you can still receive benefits if it’s been at least two years since you were divorced.
Learn Here: Can a Divorced Spouse Receive Half of Your Social Security Benefits? Who is Eligible?
FAQs about spousal Social Security benefits
1. What is the earliest age I can claim spousal benefits?
You can start claiming at age 62, but the amount will be reduced if you claim before your full retirement age.
2. How much can I receive as spousal benefits?
If you wait until full retirement age, you can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit amount.
3. Can I claim spousal benefits and my own retirement benefit at the same time?
You’ll get whichever amount is higher. Social Security calculates both and pays the larger amount.
4. Do delayed retirement credits apply to spousal benefits?
No, delaying spousal benefits beyond your full retirement age will not increase the amount.