How to Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits

If you’re married, divorced or widowed, you may be wondering how to claim spousal security benefits based on your spouse’s work record. This can be particularly beneficial if your own earnings history is lower, or you’re planning a retirement budget. To start the process, you must make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to know.

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How Social Security Spousal Benefits Work

The amount of Social Security spousal benefits you can receive is based on your spouse’s full retirement age (FRA) benefit. At full retirement age, you are eligible for up to 50% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA). If you choose to start receiving spousal benefits before reaching your own FRA, the amount will be reduced. Conversely, waiting until after your FRA does not increase your spousal benefit beyond the 50% threshold.

If your benefit is lower than what you would receive based on your spouse’s work record, you can apply for spousal benefits to increase your monthly payments. When you apply for spousal benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will first pay your benefit. If your spousal benefit is higher, you will receive an additional amount to match the spousal benefit.

When planning how to claim spousal Social Security benefits, consider factors such as life expectancy, other retirement income and your financial needs. Coordinating with your spouse to determine the best time for each of you to claim benefits can optimize your combined Social Security income.

If you continue to work while receiving spousal benefits, your earnings can affect the amount you receive. The SSA has an earnings limit, and exceeding this limit can result in reduced benefits until you reach your full retirement age. However, once you reach full retirement age, you can earn any amount without affecting your spousal benefits.

Qualifying for Social Security Spousal Benefits

For starters, to qualify for spousal benefits, your spouse must be eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits. You, as the spouse, need to be at least 62 years old, although if you are caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child who receives Social Security benefits, you can qualify at any age. It’s important to note that if you have earned a higher benefit based on your work record, you will receive that amount instead of the spousal benefit.

You can apply for spousal benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The SSA will ask for personal information, including your Social Security number and your spouse’s number. If you’re applying online, be prepared to create or log into your “my Social Security” account to submit your application. It’s advisable to apply three months before you want your benefits to avoid delays.

You’ll need to provide documentation such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate and proof of citizenship or lawful residency status. Additionally, if you have previously been married, you will need to provide documentation about your former marriage and divorce or the death of a former spouse. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review these documents to verify your eligibility.

Social Security Spousal Benefit Exceptions

Divorced spouses may be eligible for benefits under certain conditions. If the marriage lasted at least 10 years, the divorced spouse is unmarried, and both parties are at least 62, the divorced spouse can claim benefits. Importantly, the primary earner does not need to have filed for their benefits, but they must be eligible for Social Security.

The Government Pension Offset (GPO) is an exception that affects spouses receiving a pension from a government job not covered by Social Security. This offset can reduce the spousal benefit, sometimes to zero. The GPO is calculated by reducing the spousal benefit by two-thirds of the government pension amount.

Another significant exception is the dual entitlement rule. If a spouse is entitled to their own Social Security retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, they cannot receive both in full. Instead, Social Security will pay the higher of the two amounts, which means the spousal benefit may be reduced or eliminated.

Remarriage can also impact eligibility for spousal benefits. If a divorced spouse remarries, they generally lose eligibility for benefits on their former spouse’s record. However, if the subsequent marriage ends, eligibility may be reinstated. For widowed spouses, remarrying after age 60 (or age 50 if disabled) does not affect eligibility for survivor benefits.

Lastly, claiming spousal benefits before reaching full retirement age results in reduced benefits. For example, if a spouse begins claiming at age 62, their benefit may be as low as 32.5% of the primary earner’s benefit.

Can You Get Spousal Benefits and Regular Retirement?

Though you can’t receive the full amount of both benefits simultaneously, strategic planning can help maximize your household’s total Social Security income. For some couples, it makes financial sense for the higher-earning spouse to delay claiming until age 70 to maximize their benefit, while the lower-earning spouse might claim spousal benefits earlier, depending on their specific situation.

It’s important to note that survivor benefits function differently from spousal benefits. If your spouse passes away, you may be eligible to receive up to 100% of their benefit amount as a survivor benefit, which can be claimed separately from your retirement benefit at different times, depending on your age and circumstances.

Given the complexity of Social Security rules and the significant impact these decisions can have on your retirement income, consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning can help ensure you make the most advantageous choices for your specific situation. They can analyze your unique circumstances and help develop a claiming strategy that maximizes your lifetime benefits.

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Bottom Line

Remember, to qualify for spousal benefits, you must be married to someone who is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits. You also must be at least 62 years old, unless you are caring for a child under 16 or disabled. The benefits you can receive may be up to 50% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount, depending on your age at the time of claiming. Timing your claim strategically can maximize your benefits. While you can claim as early as age 62, waiting until full retirement age can result in a higher benefit amount.

Tips for Retirement Planning

• If you want to build a nest egg, a financial advisor can help you analyse investments and create a plan for your retirement. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.     
• If you need help figuring out how much you should save for retirement, SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can help you get an estimate.

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