Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits: Key Insights for Retirement

Nearly 70 million Americans are projected to receive a Social Security check in 2025, with benefits accounting for approximately one-third of the retirement income for older adults, as reported by the Social Security Administration.

Spousal benefits can significantly increase your Social Security checks. As of January 2025, the average monthly payment is around $931. If you’re married or divorced, it is essential to understand the intricacies of these benefits as you approach retirement.

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1. Eligibility for Spousal Benefits

If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you may be eligible for spousal benefits. Married individuals generally qualify if they are at least 62 years old and their spouse has qualified for either retirement or disability benefits. You could receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full benefits.

For divorced individuals, eligibility exists if the previous marriage lasted a minimum of 10 years, as long as you are not currently married. Similar to spousal benefits, you may receive up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full benefit, even if they have remarried.

In the unfortunate event of a spouse’s passing, you may claim their full benefit through survivors benefits. Typically, widows and widowers qualify, but sometimes other family members may be eligible as well.

2. Interaction Between Retirement and Spousal Payments

If you have never worked or have not accrued enough work credits, you can still receive spousal Social Security. However, if you are also eligible for retirement benefits, your spousal payments might be reduced.

When entitled to both benefits, you will receive only the higher amount. The Social Security Administration pays your retirement benefits first, then adds any bonus from spousal benefits if applicable.

For example, if your retirement benefits amount to $1,000 and your spousal benefits are $1,200, you’ll first get the $1,000, and then an additional $200 from spousal benefits, totaling $1,200. If your retirement benefits happen to be $1,500, you would not receive any spousal benefits.

3. Impact of Claiming Age on Benefits

To receive the maximum spousal benefit of 50% of your spouse’s full amount, you must file at your full retirement age, which ranges between 66 and 67, based on your birth year. Filing early may result in permanent reductions.

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Unlike retirement benefits, delaying spousal claims past the full retirement age does not increase your payments. Additionally, if your spouse delays claiming, it has no effect on your potential spousal benefit, which stays capped at 50% of their full amount.

Generally, you have to be at least 62 years old to qualify for spousal benefits. However, if you’re caring for a disabled child or one under 16 who qualifies on your spouse’s record, you may be eligible at any age.

The Social Security system can seem complicated, leading many to miss important benefits. Knowing the eligibility for spousal benefits can help you maximize your Social Security payments.

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