Spousal Social Security Benefits: 4 Essential Points for Retired Couples Explained!

Social Security is more than just a retirement plan for individuals. For married couples, it offers additional financial support through spousal benefits.

These benefits allow one spouse to claim Social Security based on their partner’s work record.

Here are four essential things retired couples need to understand about spousal Social Security benefits.

1. When Can You Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits?

You can claim spousal Social Security benefits only after your spouse starts receiving theirs. Your spouse doesn’t need to reach full retirement age before you can claim these benefits—they just need to start receiving retirement or disability benefits.

However, your age matters too. You must be at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits. There’s an exception: if you’re caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child eligible for Social Security under your spouse’s record, you can claim these benefits at any age.

This rule ensures that families with dependents receive financial support, even if one spouse hasn’t reached the standard retirement age.

2. How Much Can You Receive as a Spouse?

The amount you receive as a spousal benefit is based on your spouse’s full retirement age (FRA) benefits. If you wait until your own FRA, you could get up to 50% of your spouse’s monthly Social Security payment.

But there’s a key consideration: the Social Security Administration (SSA) compares your spousal benefit to the retirement benefit you’d receive based on your work record. You’ll be given whichever amount is higher.

When you apply for spousal benefits, you must also apply for your retirement benefits at the same time. This rule, known as “deemed filing,” was introduced in 2016 to streamline the application process and prevent retirees from strategically timing claims for higher payouts.

If you claim spousal benefits before reaching your FRA, your benefits will be reduced. Here’s how it works:

For each of the first 36 months, the reduction is 25/36 of 1% per month.
For months beyond 36, the reduction is 5/12 of 1% per month.

This means claiming early can significantly lower your monthly benefit, so timing matters.

3. Is There Any Benefit to Delaying Spousal Claims Past FRA?

For your own Social Security retirement benefits, delaying your claim past FRA increases your monthly payment by 8% annually until age 70. This strategy can maximize your retirement income.

However, this doesn’t apply to spousal benefits. The maximum amount you can receive as a spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s FRA benefit. Delaying beyond your FRA won’t increase your spousal benefit.

If you qualify for both your own retirement benefits and spousal benefits, it might be worth calculating which option gives you the most financial advantage. For most couples, claiming spousal benefits at FRA is the best choice.

4. Can Divorced Spouses Claim Spousal Benefits?

Divorced individuals may also qualify for spousal benefits based on their ex-spouse’s work record, but there are specific conditions:

You must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years.
You must currently be unmarried.
Your ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security benefits, but they don’t need to have started claiming them.

The SSA also recognizes some non-marital legal relationships for spousal benefits, so check the eligibility rules if this applies to you.

If these criteria are met, you can claim benefits even if your ex-spouse has remarried. The benefits you receive won’t affect your ex-spouse or their current partner’s payments.

Why Do Spousal Benefits Matter?

Spousal Social Security benefits provide financial stability for couples in retirement, especially when one partner didn’t work or earned significantly less.

By claiming these benefits, retired couples can make the most of their Social Security entitlements.

Tips for Maximizing Spousal Social Security Benefits

Understand Timing: If possible, wait until your full retirement age to claim spousal benefits to avoid reductions.
Calculate Carefully: Compare your retirement benefits with spousal benefits to determine which is more beneficial.
Plan Together: Coordinate with your spouse to decide the best time for both of you to claim Social Security benefits.

Conclusion

Spousal Social Security benefits can be a valuable source of income for retired couples, but understanding the rules is essential. From knowing when to claim to calculate your benefits, careful planning can help maximize your retirement income.

If you’re unsure about your options, consult a financial advisor or visit the Social Security Administration’s website for more information. By being informed, you can make smarter decisions for a more secure retirement.