Skip to content 
Spousal Social Security benefits offer valuable income support for individuals who may not have earned enough on their own to qualify for a full retirement benefit. These benefits are available not only to current spouses but also to divorced spouses and, in certain cases, widows or widowers. While the concept appears straightforward, factors like your age at filing, the length of your marriage, your ex-spouse’s earnings, and your current marital status can all influence how much you’re eligible to receive. Gaining a clear understanding of spousal Social Security benefits empowers you to make informed choices—especially as you plan for retirement or adjust to significant life changes.
Who Can Receive Spousal Social Security Benefits?
Spousal benefits support current spouses, divorced spouses, and in some cases, widows and widowers. To qualify, your spouse must already be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. You also must meet specific age or caregiving conditions.
Current Spouses
If you’re married, you can claim up to 50 percent of your spouse’s full retirement benefit. You must be at least 62 years old to start receiving benefits, unless you care for a child under 16 or a child with a disability who receives Social Security.
Divorced Spouses
If you divorced after a marriage that lasted at least 10 years, you can still qualify. You must be 62 or older, unmarried, and not eligible for a higher benefit based on your own record.
Widows and Widowers
Widows and widowers may receive survivor benefits instead of spousal benefits. That’s a separate rule set. If you remarry before age 60, you usually can’t collect survivor benefits on a former spouse’s record.
How Much Do Spousal Benefits Pay?
Spousal Social Security benefits can pay up to 50 percent of the working spouse’s full retirement amount. That number is based on their benefit at full retirement age—not what they actually receive if they retire early or late.
Example
If your spouse qualifies for $2,000 per month at full retirement age, you can receive up to $1,000 per month in spousal benefits. If your own benefit is lower than $1,000, Social Security adds the difference to your record so you receive the higher amount.
Reduced Benefits for Early Claims
If you claim spousal benefits before reaching your own full retirement age, your monthly benefit gets reduced. That reduction can last for life. Only those caring for a qualified child avoid this penalty.
Delayed Retirement Doesn’t Raise Spousal Benefits
Delaying your spouse’s retirement past full retirement age increases their personal benefits, but it won’t raise your spousal benefit. You can still only receive up to half of their full amount—not the increased value from delayed retirement.
Requirements to Qualify for Spousal Benefits
Spousal benefits come with strict eligibility rules. Here’s what you must meet to qualify:
- Your spouse must already receive retirement or disability benefits.
- You must be at least 62 years old unless you care for a qualifying child.
- If divorced, your marriage must have lasted 10 years or longer.
- You must remain unmarried if claiming on a former spouse’s record.
- Your own benefit must be lower than the spousal benefit.
If your own retirement benefit is higher, you’ll receive your own benefit instead.
Can You Receive Spousal Benefits While Working?
Yes, but earnings may reduce your benefits if you haven’t reached full retirement age. Social Security applies an earnings limit to early claimants. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn any amount without reducing your benefits.
2025 Earnings Limit
In 2025, if you earn over $22,320 and are under full retirement age, Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. During the year you reach full retirement age, that limit increases, and the withholding becomes $1 for every $3.
What Happens After Divorce?
Divorce does not cancel your right to spousal benefits if you meet all the conditions. The benefit does not affect your ex-spouse’s payments, and they won’t even be notified of your claim.
Key Rules for Divorced Spouses
- Marriage must have lasted 10 years or more
- You must be at least 62
- You must be currently unmarried
- Your ex must be 62 or older
- You must be eligible for a lower benefit than the spousal amount
If your ex-spouse has not yet applied for benefits but qualifies, you can still file as long as you’ve been divorced for two years or longer.
Spousal Benefits vs. Survivor Benefits
People often confuse spousal and survivor benefits. They serve different purposes and follow different rules.
- Spousal benefits pay up to 50 percent of the spouse’s retirement benefit
- Survivor benefits pay up to 100 percent of the deceased spouse’s benefit
You can’t receive both at once. Social Security pays whichever is higher.
If you qualify for survivor benefits and later remarry, it may affect your eligibility. In most cases, remarriage before age 60 will stop survivor benefits, while remarriage after that age will not.
Should You Wait to Claim Spousal Benefits?
Spousal benefits do not increase past full retirement age. Delaying doesn’t bring a higher monthly payment like it does with your own retirement benefit. For this reason, some people choose to start claiming at full retirement age to avoid reduction without leaving money on the table.
Can Same-Sex Couples Receive Spousal Benefits?
Yes. Same-sex spouses and divorced spouses qualify for spousal benefits under the same rules. The Social Security Administration recognizes legal same-sex marriages for all benefits, including spousal and survivor benefits.
How to Apply for Spousal Benefits
You can apply online, over the phone, or at a local Social Security office. Be prepared with the following:
- Your Social Security number
- Your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s full name and date of birth
- Marriage and divorce dates (if applicable)
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Bank information for direct deposit
Social Security may request marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or tax records. It’s best to gather documents ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Spousal Social Security benefits play a crucial role in providing financial support to individuals with limited work histories or lower lifetime earnings. These benefits are designed to assist non-working or lower-earning spouses, whether in a current marriage or after a divorce, by offering access to a portion of their spouse’s or ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits. Whether you’re preparing for retirement or navigating the end of a marriage, understanding how spousal Social Security benefits work can help you make informed, strategic choices. The rules may seem complex, but they’re well-defined—and when used correctly, these benefits can offer meaningful and lasting financial stability.
Talk to a Social Security Lawyer Today
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for spousal benefits or need help applying, contact our office today. We help individuals and couples understand their options and claim the benefits they’ve earned. Call now or visit our website to schedule a consultation.
Other Related Articles:
- Can I Stop My Wife From Getting My Social Security in a Divorce?
- Will Your Child Be Able to Receive Social Security Disability Insurance and Child Support After a Divorce?
- Navigating Social Security Benefits During Your Texas Divorce
- How Do I Qualify For My Ex-Husband’s Social Security?
- Retirement, Divorce, and Social Security: A Roadmap for Late-Life Transitions
- Can a Divorced Spouse Get Social Security Benefits?
- Social Security Benefits in the Context of Divorce
- Maximizing Social Security Benefits After Divorce: A Comprehensive Guide
- Is Social Security Considered Separate Property in a Texas Divorce?
- Is a Common Law Wife Entitled to Social Security?
