Social Security helps millions of Americans every month, but many people still find it confusing. One part that often trips people up is the spousal benefit, which can help you even if you don’t qualify for benefits on your own.
This guide explains what spousal benefits are, who qualifies, and how much you can get. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Spousal Social Security Benefits?
A spousal benefit lets you claim Social Security payments based on your partner’s work record. That means if your partner qualifies for Social Security, you might be able to get a benefit too—even if you didn’t work enough to qualify on your own.
In April 2025, almost 2 million spouses in the U.S. got these benefits.
How to Know If You Qualify
Before you can get the spousal benefit, your partner has to be collecting Social Security. Also:
- You must be married for at least one year.
- You must be at least 62 years old.
Exceptions:
If you care for your partner’s child who is under 16 or has a disability that qualifies them for benefits, you can get the spousal benefit earlier than age 62.
How Much Can You Get?
The maximum spousal benefit is usually 50% of your partner’s full retirement amount, called the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). That’s the amount they get if they retire at their Full Retirement Age (FRA)—which is 67 for people born in 1960 or later.
If you claim before reaching your own FRA, your benefit will be permanently reduced. For example, claiming at 62 could mean getting just 32.5% instead of 50%. Only those caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child avoid this reduction.
Should You Take the Spousal Benefit or Your Own?
Just because you qualify for a spousal benefit doesn’t mean you have to take it. If you worked, you might also qualify for your own benefit.
In that case, the government compares both amounts and gives you the higher one automatically. This is called deemed filing. For example, if you qualify for $800 per month from your own work but $1,000 per month through your spouse, you’ll get the higher amount: $1,000.
In April 2025, the average spousal benefit was about $948 per month (or $11,376 per year), while the average retired worker’s benefit was about $2,000 per month (or $24,000 per year).
Spousal Social Security Benefits
| Detail | Info. |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 62 (or any age if caring for a child under 16 or disabled) |
| Marriage Requirement | At least 1 year (10 years if divorced) |
| Max Benefit | 50% of spouse’s benefit (at FRA) |
| Early Claim Penalty | 32.5% at 62 vs. 50% at FRA (67) |
| Average Payment | $948/month (April 2025) |
| Own vs. Spousal Benefit | Get the higher of the two |
What If You’re Divorced?
Good news: divorced people can still qualify! But there are a few extra rules:
- Your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years.
- If you’ve been divorced for less than two years, your ex must already be collecting Social Security.
- You must be unmarried now. If you remarry, you can only claim spousal benefits through your new partner’s work record.
Conclusion
Understanding spousal Social Security benefits can help you get more money in retirement, even if you didn’t work enough to qualify on your own. Remember:
- Your spouse must already be collecting benefits.
- You must be at least 62 (unless caring for a minor or disabled child).
- Your maximum benefit is 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit—but claiming early means a reduced amount.
- If you also qualify on your own, you’ll get whichever benefit is higher.
- Divorced? You might still qualify—if you meet certain rules.
Knowing these details helps you plan ahead so you can enjoy a more secure retirement.
FAQ’s
1. Can I get spousal Social Security benefits if I never worked?
Yes! If your spouse qualifies for Social Security and is already receiving benefits, you might be eligible for up to 50% of their full retirement benefit, even if you never worked.
2. Can I claim spousal benefits if I’m divorced?
Yes, but you must have been married for at least 10 years, be unmarried now, and meet other rules. You might be able to claim benefits even if your ex-spouse hasn’t filed yet—ask Social Security for details.
3. How much will my spousal benefit be if I claim before my full retirement age?
If you claim before reaching your own full retirement age (usually 67), your benefit will be permanently reduced. For example, claiming at 62 would get you around 32.5% instead of the full 50%.
