Social Security spousal benefits can provide an additional source of retirement income for individuals who may not have earned much on their own or were stay-at-home parents.
Nearly 2 million Americans currently receive a spousal benefit, and the process for qualifying is straightforward.
However, there are a few important rules to be aware of before you can start receiving spousal benefits. Let’s explore how to find out if you qualify.
Qualification 1: Your Spouse Qualifies for Social Security
The first and most basic requirement for spousal benefits is that you must be married to someone who qualifies for Social Security. Social Security spousal benefits are designed to provide support to married couples, especially when one spouse was the primary earner.
In short, your spouse must have paid into Social Security during their working years and be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits based on their work history. If your spouse qualifies for Social Security benefits, this opens the door for you to potentially receive spousal benefits as well.
Qualification 2: You Must Be At Least 62 Years Old
To claim spousal benefits, you need to be at least 62 years old, the same age requirement for starting regular Social Security retirement benefits.
However, just like with retirement benefits, if you claim spousal benefits before reaching your Full Retirement Age (FRA) (which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later), the benefit will be reduced.
It’s important to note that while your own Social Security benefits increase the longer you wait (up to age 70), spousal benefits do not.
Therefore, once you reach full retirement age, there’s no financial advantage to waiting longer to claim a spousal benefit. In other words, there’s no benefit to delaying spousal benefits past your full retirement age.
Qualification 3: Your Spouse Must Be Collecting Social Security
Another key rule is that your spouse must already be collecting their Social Security benefit before you can start receiving spousal benefits.
This rule ensures that spousal benefits only apply when the primary earner is already receiving their Social Security.
Previously, one spouse could “file and suspend” their benefits, allowing the other spouse to start collecting spousal benefits while the primary earner delayed their own retirement benefits.
However, this loophole was closed by Congress, and now the primary earner must actually be receiving benefits before the spouse can claim spousal benefits.
Qualification 4: Your Own Benefit Must Be Less Than the Spousal Benefit
When applying for Social Security, the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates both your benefit based on your own work history and the spousal benefit based on your spouse’s work history. You are eligible to receive whichever benefit is higher.
For example, if your own Social Security benefit is less than what you would receive as a spousal benefit, the SSA will pay you the spousal benefit instead. This situation is common among couples where one spouse earned significantly more than the other or where one spouse stayed home for many years to care for children.
How Much Is the Spousal Benefit?
A spousal benefit can be up to 50% of your spouse’s Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit—this is called the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The PIA is the amount your spouse would receive if they began collecting Social Security at their full retirement age.
For example, if your spouse’s monthly Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $2,000, you could receive up to $1,000 in spousal benefits, assuming you wait until your own full retirement age to claim. However, if you claim earlier, say at age 62, your spousal benefit would be reduced.
On average, those receiving a spousal benefit get around $912 per month. To estimate your specific spousal benefit, it’s a good idea to check your latest Social Security statement.
You and your spouse can create an account on SSA.gov to find detailed estimates based on your actual work records.
Additional Considerations
Remarriage and Spousal Benefits
If you’ve remarried, you cannot receive spousal benefits based on your previous spouse’s record. However, if your previous marriage ended in divorce, and you were married for at least 10 years, you may be eligible to receive spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record.
Working While Receiving Benefits
If you claim spousal benefits before reaching full retirement age and continue to work, your earnings may affect the amount of your spousal benefit due to the Social Security earnings limit. Once you reach full retirement age, this limit no longer applies
Social Security spousal benefits can provide significant financial support in retirement, particularly for households where one spouse was the primary earner.
By understanding the four key qualifications—being married to someone who qualifies for Social Security, being at least 62, having a spouse who is already receiving benefits, and having a lower benefit than the spousal amount—you can determine whether you’re eligible for spousal benefits.
For an accurate estimate, check your Social Security statement on SSA.gov and compare your personal benefit to the spousal benefit to decide the best option for your retirement.
FAQs
When can I claim spousal Social Security benefits?
You can claim spousal benefits starting at age 62, but they will be reduced if claimed before Full Retirement Age.
How much of my spouse’s Social Security can I receive?
You can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit if you wait until your Full Retirement Age.
Can I get spousal benefits if my spouse isn’t receiving Social Security yet?
No, your spouse must be receiving Social Security benefits before you can claim spousal benefits.
Do spousal benefits increase if I wait until age 70?
No, spousal benefits do not increase after reaching Full Retirement Age.
Can I receive spousal benefits if I’m divorced?
Yes, if your previous marriage lasted 10 years or more and you meet other qualifications.
