Social Security Spousal Benefits: What You Need to Know

Social Security spousal benefits can provide monthly income based on your spouse’s earnings record. This benefit can be a helpful source of retirement income, even if you don’t qualify for Social Security on your own. Let’s break down what you need to know about spousal benefits, including eligibility, how much you might receive, and how to apply.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Spousal Benefits?

You may be eligible for spousal benefits if:

• You don’t have enough work credits for your own Social Security retirement benefit.
• Your spousal benefit is higher than your own benefit. If you qualify for a small benefit based on your work record, but the spousal benefit is larger, you can receive the larger amount.

For example, suppose you qualify for a $600 monthly benefit based on your own earnings. If your spousal benefit is $1,000, you would receive your $600 benefit plus an additional $400, for a total of $1,000. This “higher of the two” rule ensures you get the maximum possible benefit.

Eligibility for Married People

If you’re currently married, you may qualify for benefits on your spouse’s record if:

• You’re 62 or older. (Or you’re younger but caring for a child who is under 16 or has disabilities and is under 19).
• Your spouse is eligible for Social Security retirement benefits (62 or older).
• You have been married for at least one year.

Eligibility for Divorced People

If you’re divorced, you may still qualify for spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record if:

• You were married for at least 10 years and have been divorced for at least two years.
• You’re unmarried when you apply for spousal benefits.
• You’re 62 or older.
• Your ex-spouse is at least 62 years old. (They don’t have to be currently collecting retirement benefits).

How Much Can You Receive?

The maximum Social Security spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age (FRA). There is no increase to spousal benefits beyond FRA, so it won’t increase if your spouse delays their benefit.

Example Calculation
Suppose your spouse’s full retirement age benefit is $2,000 per month. The maximum spousal benefit you could receive is 50% of that amount, or $1,000. However, if you claim spousal benefits before reaching your own FRA, your benefit will be reduced. For instance, if you start receiving spousal benefits at age 62, you might receive only 32.5% of your spouse’s benefit at FRA.

Important Rules to Remember

1. No Impact on Your Spouse’s Benefits
   If you qualify for spousal benefits, it won’t reduce your spouse’s monthly payments. Each spouse’s benefit calculation is independent.
2. You Must File for Both Benefits Simultaneously
   Under the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act, if you’re eligible for both your own and spousal benefits, you must file for both at the same time. You can’t delay one and claim the other.
3. Working and Spousal Benefits
   If you’re working and receiving spousal benefits before reaching FRA, your benefits may be reduced if your income exceeds the SSA’s yearly earnings limit ($22,320 in 2024). Use the SSA’s Retirement Earnings Test Calculator to see how your earnings might impact your benefits.

Applying for Spousal Benefits

You can apply for spousal benefits through:

• Online Application: If you’re within three months of turning 62.
• Phone Call: By calling the SSA at 800-772-1213.
• In-Person Visit: By visiting your nearest Social Security office. (Appointments aren’t required but can reduce your wait time).

To speed up the process, have your documents ready, including identification and any information about your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits.

Glossary of Key Terms

1. Social Security Spousal Benefits: Monthly benefits you may receive based on your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s earnings record.
2. Work Credits: Units that measure eligibility for Social Security benefits, earned through income from work.
3. Full Retirement Age (FRA): The age at which you’re entitled to full Social Security benefits, based on your birth year.
4. Earnings Limit: The income threshold above which Social Security benefits may be reduced if you haven’t reached FRA.
5. Divorced Spousal Benefits: Benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings record if you meet specific requirements (married for 10 years, etc.).
6. Retirement Earnings Test: A calculation that determines how work income affects your Social Security benefits if you’re below FRA.
7. Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015: A law requiring that eligible recipients file for both their own and spousal benefits at the same time.
8. Social Security Administration (SSA): The government agency that administers Social Security benefits.