Social Security spousal benefits are designed to provide additional retirement income, particularly when one spouse was the primary or higher-income earner in a marriage. Nearly 2 million Americans receive spousal benefits, and while qualifying isn’t overly complex, there are specific criteria that must be met before these benefits can be paid.
Qualification 1: You’re Married to Someone Who Qualifies for Social Security
The first and simplest requirement for spousal benefits is that your spouse must qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. This means they must have sufficient work history in employment covered by Social Security. Spousal benefits are intended to support households where one spouse was the main earner, providing additional retirement income for the couple.
Qualification 2: You’re at Least 62 Years Old
To claim spousal benefits, you must be at least 62 years old. The same full retirement age (FRA) applies to spousal benefits as it does to personal Social Security benefits—67 for those born in 1960 or later. However, similar to retirement benefits, claiming spousal benefits before reaching full retirement age will result in a reduction.
Unlike regular Social Security benefits, spousal benefits do not increase if you delay claiming past your FRA. Therefore, it’s generally advisable to claim spousal benefits once the full retirement age is reached, as waiting longer will not increase the amount.
Qualification 3: Your Spouse Must Be Collecting Social Security
To receive spousal benefits, the primary earner must already be collecting their own Social Security retirement benefits. This wasn’t always required, but Congress closed this loophole a few years ago, ensuring that spousal benefits are only available once the higher-earning spouse begins receiving their Social Security.
Qualification 4: Your Own Social Security Benefit Must Be Lower Than Your Spousal Benefit
If you’re eligible for Social Security based on your own work record, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will compare your benefit amount to the potential spousal benefit. You’ll receive the higher of the two. For many, particularly those who were stay-at-home parents or worked part-time, the spousal benefit may exceed the amount they qualify for based on their own earnings.
For example, I recently saw this firsthand with my parents, who are both applying for Social Security. My mother, a stay-at-home parent for years, later worked part-time. The SSA calculated both her personal Social Security benefit and the spousal benefit she was entitled to. Surprisingly, the two figures were closer than expected, as Social Security’s benefit formula favors those with lower lifetime earnings. In this case, the spousal benefit still turned out to be higher.
How Much Can You Receive from a Spousal Benefit?
A spousal benefit can be as much as 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the benefit they would receive if they claimed Social Security at full retirement age. Currently, about 1.9 million Americans receive spousal benefits, with the average monthly amount around $912.
If you want a better idea of what to expect, both you and your spouse can check your latest Social Security statements by creating an account on SSA.gov. These statements provide benefit estimates based on your actual work history, giving you a clearer picture of what spousal benefits may look like for you.
Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Most Americans are behind on their retirement savings, but knowing a few “Social Security secrets” could help boost your retirement income. For instance, certain strategies could increase your benefits by as much as $22,924 annually. Learning how to maximize your Social Security benefits can give you the confidence and peace of mind for a secure retirement.