Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits (2026 Update)

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Social Security doesn’t just protect individuals — it also supports families. When one spouse has worked and paid into Social Security, their husband or wife may qualify for a separate payment known as a spousal benefit.

This can be essential for couples where one spouse earned less or stayed at home to raise a family.

To see how it all works, we’ll use Person A and Person B as our example married couple.

1. The Basics: Spouse Can Receive Up to 50% of the Worker’s Benefit

When Person A applies for retirement benefits, Person B may qualify for a benefit worth up to half of Person A’s full retirement benefit (their Primary Insurance Amount, or PIA).

For example, if Person A’s PIA is $2,400 per month, Person B could receive up to $1,200 per month when claiming at their full retirement age (FRA).

This does not reduce Person A’s payment — it’s an additional amount paid to the spouse.

2. Eligibility Rules for a Spousal Benefit

Person B qualifies for spousal benefits if:

  • The couple has been married for at least one continuous year.
  • Person B is age 62 or older, unless caring for a child under 16 or disabled.
  • Person A is already receiving retirement or disability benefits.
  • Person B has a valid Social Security number (SSN); the SSA will deny the spousal benefit if a valid SSN isn’t provided.

If Person B also worked and is eligible for their own retirement benefit, the SSA pays the higher of the two amounts — not both.

3. Early or Late Claims Change the Amount

Claim timing makes a big difference:

  • If Person B starts before their full retirement age (currently between 66 and 67, depending on birth year), their spousal benefit is permanently reduced—by as much as 25–30%.
  • If Person B waits until FRA, they receive the full 50%.
  • Spousal benefits do not increase if taken after FRA. Waiting longer gives no additional benefit.

Example (2026):
If Person A’s PIA is $2,400, Person B’s maximum spousal benefit is $1,200.
If Person B claims at 62, they might receive about $840 instead.

4. How the SSA Calculates Spousal Benefits

If Person B is eligible on their own record:

  1. The SSA pays Person B their own benefit amount first.
  2. Then, if the spousal benefit is higher, SSA adds the difference.

Example:

  • Person B’s own retirement benefit: $800.
  • Person A’s PIA: $2,000, so half would be $1,000.
    Person B will receive their $800 plus a $200 spousal boost, for a total of $1,000 per month.

5. Real-Life Examples

Story 1: Equal Earners

Both Person A and Person B worked steadily.

  • Person A’s benefit: $2,800/month
  • Person B’s benefit: $2,300/month
    Because Person B’s benefit is higher than half of Person A’s ($1,400), no spousal portion applies.
    Lesson: Spousal benefits help when one spouse earned significantly less.

Story 2: Stay-at-Home Spouse

Person A worked full-time, while Person B stayed home for family care.

  • Person A’s benefit: $2,000/month
  • Person B did not work enough to qualify independently.
    Person B can receive up to $1,000/month (half of A’s PIA).
    Lesson: The system protects non-working spouses who supported the household.

Story 3: Early Claiming

Both retire early at 62.

  • Person A’s early benefit: $1,500
  • Person B’s reduced spousal benefit: about $750.
    If they waited until FRA (say 67), together they would have received about $900 more per month.
    Lesson: Claiming early permanently cuts payments.

Story 4: Divorced But Eligible

Even after divorce, Person B might qualify — if:

  • The marriage lasted at least 10 years.
  • They have been divorced for at least two years.
  • Person B is unmarried and 62 or older.
    Person A doesn’t lose anything; both can receive benefits independently.

6. Survivor Benefits

When Person A passes away, Person B may receive a survivor benefit, which can be as much as 100% of Person A’s monthly benefit.
The SSA automatically pays whichever benefit — personal or survivor — is higher.

7. Working While Collecting Spousal Benefits (2026 Earnings Test)

If Person B collects benefits before reaching full retirement age and continues working, the earnings test can reduce monthly payments temporarily.

Earnings Limits for 2026:

  • Before the year you reach FRA:
    The SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above $24,480.
  • During the year you reach FRA:
    The limit rises to $65,160, and SSA withholds $1 for every $3 earned above that threshold, but only counts income earned before the month(s) you hit FRA.
  • After full retirement age:
    No earnings limit applies — you can earn any amount with no reduction.

Example: Person B Working Part-Time

Person B takes a spousal benefit at 63 and earns $30,000 in 2026.
That’s $5,520 above the $24,480 limit.
SSA withholds $2,760 ($1 for each $2 over the limit).
Those months are later credited back once Person B reaches full retirement age — so the money isn’t lost, just delayed.

Lesson: If you plan to keep working, it might pay to wait until FRA before collecting your spousal benefit.

Final Thoughts

Social Security spousal benefits ensure that retirement security extends to both partners — working or not.
The keys to maximizing your household benefit are:

  • Time your claims together carefully.
  • Keep track of your earnings if working before FRA.
  • Understand survivor benefits for long-term protection.

For couples like Person A and Person B, good planning with spousal and survivor benefits can make the difference between just getting by and enjoying a steady, lifelong retirement income.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. For personalized guidance, please consult a tax professional.