Social Security is often synonymous with retirement benefits, but its scope extends far beyond the monthly checks that millions of retirees receive. One particularly crucial aspect of the program that many people overlook is the Social Security spousal benefits, which can play a significant role in the financial security of married couples.

Spousal benefits serve as a vital source of retirement income, especially for couples where one spouse has been the primary earner throughout their working life. This situation frequently occurs in families where one partner has dedicated their time to raising children or managing the household, while the other has pursued a full-time career. Additionally, spousal benefits also apply in cases where one spouse was a high earner and the other contributed by working part-time or earning a lower income throughout their career.

In terms of financial support, spousal benefits can significantly bolster a family’s income during retirement. Depending on the specific circumstances, an eligible spouse can receive a benefit amount that may be as high as one-half of the higher-earning spouse's full retirement benefit, formally referred to as their “primary insurance amount.” For example, if one spouse has a primary insurance amount of $2,500 per month based on their work history, the spousal benefit could be as much as $1,250, which is a substantial addition to household income during retirement.

Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Benefits

While the formulas and calculations involved in Social Security benefits can appear intricate, the qualifications for spousal benefits are relatively straightforward. There are three primary criteria that must be satisfied to become eligible for spousal benefits.

1. Your Spouse Must Be Collecting Their Own Retirement Benefit

The foremost requirement for receiving a spousal benefit is that the higher-earning spouse must be actively collecting their own Social Security retirement benefit. Even if you have reached the full retirement age yourself, you will not be able to claim a spousal benefit until your primary-earning spouse has applied for their own benefit. It’s also important to note that divorced spouses may qualify for spousal benefits provided the marriage lasted for at least ten years.

2. You Must Be At Least 62 Years Old or Have a Qualifying Child

In order to collect spousal benefits, you need to meet one of two specific requirements, assuming your spouse is receiving their own benefits:

  • You must be at least 62 years old
  • You have a qualifying child who is under the age of 16 or who is receiving Social Security disability benefits

While you can start receiving spousal benefits as early as age 62, it’s crucial to understand that claiming benefits before reaching full retirement age can lead to a permanent reduction in the benefit amount. For Social Security purposes, the full retirement age is 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later. If you begin to collect your spousal benefit after reaching full retirement age, you will receive the full amount based on your spouse’s primary insurance, regardless of when the primary earner starts receiving Social Security benefits. Conversely, if you opt to claim benefits early, your spousal benefit could be reduced by as much as 35%, depending on how many months prior to your full retirement age you begin receiving the benefit.