When people think about Social Security, they often focus on their own retirement benefits. But did you know the program also provides benefits for spouses, even if they haven’t worked? This can play a big role in your retirement planning, especially if you or your spouse have a limited work history. Understanding how spousal benefits work can help you get the most out of your Social Security payments.
As soon as you apply for Social Security, the system checks whether you qualify for a higher benefit—either your own or up to half of your spouse’s. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), in January 2025, the average monthly benefit for all retired workers was $1,979. Meanwhile, the average spousal benefit was about $931. This shows why it’s important to explore your options.
Who Can Claim Spousal Benefits?
To qualify for spousal benefits, you need to meet certain conditions:
- You must be at least 62 years old unless you are caring for a child under 16 or a child who receives Social Security disability benefits.
- Your spouse must have already filed for their Social Security benefits.
- If you claim before your full retirement age, your spousal benefit will be permanently reduced.
Additionally check when you claim your $3000 Social Security and will your partner automatically receive spousal benefits?
How Spousal Benefits Are Calculated?
Social Security spousal benefits are capped at 50% of your spouse’s benefit at full retirement age. But waiting beyond full retirement age does not increase the spousal benefit amount.
If your spouse claims benefits early, your spousal benefit will also be lower. The reduction can be significant, potentially as low as 32.5% of the retiree’s benefit. The longer before full retirement age you claim, the greater the reduction.
Below is a table showing how claiming early can impact spousal benefits:
| Age at Claiming | Spousal Benefit Percentage |
| Full Retirement Age | 50% of spouse’s benefit |
| 1 year early | About 46% |
| 2 years early | About 42% |
| 3 years early | About 38% |
| 4+ years early | As low as 32.5% |
However, there is an exception. If you are caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child, you can receive the full spousal benefit at any age without reduction. This ensures financial support for families with young or disabled children.
FAQs
1. Can I claim spousal benefits if I have my own Social Security benefits?
Yes, but you will receive the higher of either your own benefit or up to half of your spouse’s benefit—not both.
2. Does delaying my spouse’s benefits increase my spousal benefit?
No. While delaying benefits increases the worker’s payments, it does not raise the spousal benefit beyond the 50% cap.
3. What happens if my spouse claims Social Security early?
If your spouse claims early, both their benefit and your spousal benefit will be permanently reduced.