Spousal Social Security benefits explained: Everything you need to know
From eligibility to divorce rules, here’s a clear guide to claiming Social Security based on your spouse’s work history.
Understanding how Social Security benefits work can sometimes be confusing, but it’s important to know how they might affect you, no matter your circumstances.
While federal payments are most commonly associated with retired workers, Social Security also provides benefits to people with disabilities, their families, and survivors.
Spouses are another group that can qualify for Social Security benefits, often based on their partner’s work history.
Who is eligible for spousal Social Security benefits?
In general, you can claim spousal Social Security benefits if you have been married for at least one year to someone who is already receiving their own retirement benefits. People caring for a child under the age of 16, or a child receiving Social Security disability benefits, may also be eligible.
How much do spouses receive?
The amount a spouse receives depends on their partner’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the benefit the partner is entitled to claim at full retirement age (FRA). For those born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67. For those born earlier, it is 66 plus a few months, depending on the birth year.
Generally, spouses can receive up to half of their partner’s PIA.
How old do you have to be to claim spousal benefits?
You can start claiming spousal benefits at age 62. At that age, the benefit is 32.5% of your partner’s PIA. Waiting until later increases the amount you will receive.
What happens if you qualify for both retired worker and spousal benefits?
If you qualify for both your own retirement benefits and spousal benefits, you only need to file once. You will receive the higher of the two amounts.
Can divorcees claim spousal benefits?
Divorce rules for spousal benefits are more complex.
Divorcees can collect payments based on their ex-partner’s work history if they were married for at least 10 years. If the ex-partner has not started collecting benefits, the divorce must have been finalized at least two years before spousal benefits can be paid.
If a divorcee remarries, they no longer receive benefits tied to their former spouse. However, they may qualify for payments based on their new partner’s work history.
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