Social Security spousal benefits are an important part of the Social Security system designed to help married couples plan for retirement. These benefits provide financial support to spouses who may have lower lifetime earnings or who haven’t worked enough to qualify for their own Social Security retirement benefits. Understanding how spousal benefits work, who qualifies, and how much you can receive is crucial to maximizing your Social Security income as a couple.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Social Security spousal benefits, including eligibility requirements, benefit calculations, how to apply, and common questions.
What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits?
Social Security spousal benefits allow a spouse to receive retirement benefits based on their partner’s work record, even if they don’t have enough credits from their own work history to qualify for Social Security on their own. These benefits are meant to ensure that spouses have financial security in retirement, particularly if they spent significant time outside the workforce, raising a family, or working part-time.
Spousal benefits can also be a valuable option for those who have lower lifetime earnings than their higher-earning spouse.
Who Is Eligible for Spousal Benefits?
To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, several key conditions must be met:
- Marriage Requirement: You must be married to someone who is eligible to receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits. In some cases, you may also qualify for spousal benefits if you are divorced, provided you were married for at least 10 years and meet other conditions.
- Age Requirement: You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, but to receive the full amount of benefits, you must wait until your full retirement age (FRA). Your FRA depends on your birth year, but it generally falls between 66 and 67.
- The Other Spouse Must Be Receiving Benefits: You can only claim spousal benefits if your spouse is already receiving their Social Security retirement or disability benefits. If your spouse is eligible for benefits but has not yet claimed them, you won’t be able to receive spousal benefits until they do.
- No Dual Benefit Collection: You cannot collect both your own retirement benefit and the full spousal benefit simultaneously. However, if your spousal benefit is higher than your own retirement benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher of the two amounts.
How Are Spousal Benefits Calculated?
The amount of spousal benefits you are eligible to receive depends on several factors, including your age when you begin claiming benefits and your spouse’s work record. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit. However, if you claim spousal benefits before reaching your FRA, your benefits will be reduced.
1. Maximum Spousal Benefit
At your full retirement age, you can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA). The PIA is the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age.
For example, if your spouse’s PIA is $2,000 per month, your maximum spousal benefit would be $1,000 per month if you claim benefits at your FRA.
2. Reduced Benefits for Early Claiming
If you choose to claim spousal benefits before reaching your full retirement age, your benefit will be permanently reduced. The reduction depends on how early you start claiming. The earliest you can claim spousal benefits is age 62, but the reduction will be significant—about 25% to 30% less than the full spousal benefit.
For example, if your spouse’s PIA is $2,000 and you claim spousal benefits at age 62, instead of receiving $1,000 (50% of $2,000), you may receive as little as $700 per month.
3. Delayed Benefits
Unlike retirement benefits, spousal benefits do not increase if you delay claiming them past your FRA. This means there is no advantage to waiting beyond full retirement age to begin receiving spousal benefits.
Spousal Benefits for Divorced Spouses
Divorced spouses can also be eligible for Social Security spousal benefits, provided they meet specific criteria:
- Length of Marriage: You must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years.
- Age: You must be at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits on your ex-spouse’s record.
- Remarriage: If you remarry, you generally cannot collect benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record unless the later marriage ends in divorce or death.
- Eligibility of Ex-Spouse: Your ex-spouse must be eligible to receive Social Security benefits, but they do not need to have started receiving benefits for you to claim spousal benefits. However, your ex must be at least age 62 for you to be eligible.
The spousal benefits for divorced individuals are not affected by whether the ex-spouse has remarried or if their current spouse is collecting benefits.
How to Apply for Social Security Spousal Benefits
The process of applying for spousal benefits is straightforward and can be done online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Here’s how to apply:
- Gather Your Documents: Before applying, gather necessary documents such as your Social Security number, proof of marriage, and your spouse’s Social Security number. If you’re divorced, you’ll need your divorce decree and the date the marriage ended.
- Visit the Social Security Website: The easiest way to apply is online by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. You can also apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.
- Complete the Application: Follow the instructions provided on the website or by the Social Security representative. You’ll be asked to provide personal information and details about your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s Social Security record.
- Submit Your Application: Once your application is complete, submit it for review. The SSA will process your request and notify you of your benefit eligibility.
Maximizing Social Security Spousal Benefits
There are several strategies you can use to maximize the Social Security spousal benefits you receive:
- Claim at Full Retirement Age: To receive the full spousal benefit (50% of your spouse’s PIA), it’s best to wait until your FRA to claim benefits. Claiming earlier will reduce your benefit amount permanently.
- Spousal Benefits and Delayed Retirement Credits: While your spousal benefit doesn’t increase after your FRA, your spouse’s benefit may increase if they delay claiming their Social Security beyond their FRA. This can lead to a higher monthly benefit for your spouse, which could indirectly benefit you.
- File and Suspend (Prior to 2016): The “file and suspend” strategy allowed one spouse to file for benefits and then suspend them, enabling the other spouse to collect spousal benefits. However, this option was largely eliminated for new retirees in 2016.
- Examine Both Benefits: If you qualify for Social Security benefits based on your own work record, compare the two options (your own benefit versus spousal benefits) and choose the one that provides the higher amount.
Common Questions About Social Security Spousal Benefits
- Can I receive both my own Social Security benefits and spousal benefits? No, you cannot receive both. Social Security will pay you either your own benefit or the spousal benefit, whichever is higher.
- Can I receive spousal benefits if my spouse has not yet claimed Social Security? No, your spouse must be receiving benefits before you can claim spousal benefits. The exception is if you are divorced and your ex-spouse is eligible for benefits but hasn’t claimed them yet.
- Do spousal benefits affect my spouse’s Social Security benefits? No, spousal benefits do not reduce the amount of benefits your spouse receives. They are paid in addition to your spouse’s benefits.
Conclusion
Social Security spousal benefits can provide significant financial support for married or divorced individuals, especially if one spouse has a lower income or insufficient work history. By understanding how spousal benefits are calculated and the best time to claim them, you can maximize your benefits and ensure greater financial security in retirement.
