In this post, we will provide you with 5 facts you should know about Social Security Spousal Benefit and how it works. We will answer questions including: What is Social Security Spousal Benefit and who is eligible? Can you get spousal benefit after a divorce, when you remarry, or as a widow? How soon can you start collecting spousal benefits and do you have to wait for the primary beneficiary to start collecting benefits first? What is the maximum benefit you can get as a spouse?
What is Social Security Spousal Benefit?
When a worker files for Social Security benefits, the worker’s spouse may be able to claim a benefit based on the worker’s contributions. This is called spousal benefit under Social Security.
However, for spouses to receive the benefit, they must be at least age 62 or care for a child under age 16 (or one receiving Social Security disability benefits).
In addition, spouses cannot claim the spousal benefit until the worker files for her or his benefit.
Also, If you’re eligible for Social Security spousal benefits, how much you’ll receive depends on a number of factors.
This includes:
- Your age
- The amount of your spouse’s benefit
- Whether you have other retirement benefits available to you
Who is eligible for Social Security Spousal Benefits?
Anyone whose spouse, ex-spouse, or deceased spouse was or is eligible for Social Security benefits, is also eligible to collect spousal benefits (once they have reached the age of eligibility).
If your spouse has filed for Social Security benefits, you can also collect benefits based on the spouse’s work record.
However, you have to meet the following criteria:
- You must be are at least 62 years old.
- Regardless of your age, if you care for a child who is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record, and who is under age 16 or disabled.
5 Things to Know about Social Security Spousal Benefit
Here are the 5 things to know about Social Security Spousal Benefits:
1. Spousal Benefit is Capped at 50%
The maximum spousal benefit you can receive is capped at 50% of the other spouse’s benefit.
Here’s how it works:
For example, if your benefit is worth $2,000 but your spouse’s benefit is only worth $500, your spouse can switch to a spousal benefit worth $1,000.
This will bring in $500 more in income per month.
However, if the spousal benefits are claimed before the full retirement age, the spouse will get a lesser amount.
That is, if you claim your spousal benefit before your full retirement age, you won’t get the full 50%.
Additionally, if you take your own benefit early and then later switch to a spousal benefit, your spousal benefit will still be reduced.
Also, you cannot apply for a spousal benefit until your spouse has applied for his or her own benefit.
2. Spouses can get benefits even if they didn’t work
Another feature of Social Security spousal benefit is that you can claim spousal benefits even if you never worked.
For most people, in order to receive Social Security benefits, you have to pay into the system.
However, there is an exception to that rule.
If your husband or wife is eligible for benefits, you can receive spousal benefits in retirement even if you’ve never personally worked and paid Social Security taxes.
3. An Ex-Spouse Can Collect Some of your Social Security Benefits
Yes, if you are divorced, you may be eligible to collect Social Security benefits based on the earnings of your ex-spouse.
You are eligible to collect spousal benefits on a living former wife’s or husband’s earnings record as long as:
- The marriage lasted at least 10 years.
- You have not remarried.
- You are at least 62 years of age.
- Your ex-spouse is entitled to collect Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
Additionally, your former spouse doesn’t have to be collecting his or her retirement benefits yet for you to claim ex-spousal benefits.
However, if this is the case, the divorce must be at least two years old.
There is no such requirement if your ex is already receiving benefits.
Also, the most you can collect in divorced-spouse benefits is 50 percent of your ex-spouse’s benefits.
4. Spouses can Collect Social Security Based on Their Own Record
When you apply for Social Security spousal benefits, you will also be applying for benefits based on your own work history.
Therefore, if you’re eligible for benefits based on your own earnings, and that benefit amount is higher than your spousal benefit, then you will receive the benefits based on your record.
However, if it is determined that the benefits based on your own record is lower, you’ll get the spousal benefit.
5. Widowed Spouses can Collect Benefits
A widow or widower can receive up to 100% of a spouse’s benefit amount.
However, to get 100% of a spouses benefit amount, the survivor must have reached full retirement age at the time of the application.
If they have not reached full retirement age, then the payment is reduced to somewhere between 71% and 99% of the deceased’s entitlement if the widowed person is at least 60 but under full retirement age.8
There is an exception to this rule for disabled people.
Disabled widowed spouses can apply as early as age 50.
Social Security Increase for 2023 Summary
Here’s the bottom line:
The maximum spousal benefit you can receive is capped at 50% of the other spouse’s benefit.
Also, you are eligible to collect spousal benefits on a living former wife’s or husband’s earnings record if you meet one of four criteria.
Questions?
If you still have questions, you should leave a comment below.
However, what may be an even greater help is to join our FREE Facebook members group about Making Sense of Social Security Benefits.
It’s a very active group with some really smart people who love to answer any questions you may have about Social Security Benefits.
Also, from time to time, our team of editors drop in to contribute and answer questions.
Finally, be sure to check out our other articles about Social Security and Disability Benefits, including:
