Spousal Social Security benefits allow a person to receive payments based on their spouse’s work record, which can be useful if they have little or no work history of their own. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement benefit. However, factors like claiming age and additional earnings can reduce this amount. If benefits are claimed before full retirement age, they are reduced. Those eligible may also switch to their own benefits later if their individual earnings record results in a higher payout.

Consider working with a financial advisor to develop personalized strategies tailored to your unique circumstance.

What Are Spousal Benefits from Social Security?​

Social Security spousal benefits are part of the retirement income that a lower-earning spouse can receive based on the higher-earning spouse’s work record. These benefits are available to individuals married to someone eligible for Social Security, allowing them to receive payments even if they have little or no work history of their own.

Spousal benefits are distinct from an individual’s own Social Security benefits. If a person qualifies for both based on their work record and their spouse’s, they typically receive the higher of the two amounts. Those who were previously married may also be eligible for spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse’s record, provided the marriage lasted at least ten years and they remain unmarried.

Qualifying for Spousal Benefits

The higher-earning spouse must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits for the other spouse to qualify. The lower-earning spouse can then apply for spousal benefits once they reach age 62, though full benefits are only available at full retirement age. Unlike survivor benefits, spousal benefits do not increase if delayed beyond full retirement age.

If you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled and receives benefits on the spouse’s record, the age requirement does not apply. Certain life events such as marriage, divorce or death can also influence eligibility. Divorced individuals can claim spousal benefits if they were married for at least 10 years and remain unmarried.

How to Calculate Spousal Benefits from Social Security

Spousal benefits from Social Security are based on the higher-earning spouse’s retirement benefit, with a maximum amount of 50% of that benefit if claimed at full retirement age (FRA). The amount depends on when benefits are claimed and whether the individual qualifies for their own Social Security.

The following steps outline how to calculate spousal benefits.

Step 1: Determine Your Spouse’s Full Retirement Benefit

The first step is identifying the amount your spouse qualifies for at their FRA. This is known as their primary insurance amount (PIA)—the monthly benefit they receive if they claim at their FRA. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides estimates through online accounts, mailed statements, or direct requests.

Step 2: Identify Your Full Retirement Age

Your FRA depends on your birth year. For those born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67. If you were born between 1943 and 1959, FRA ranges between 66 and 67. Your FRA determines whether you receive full or reduced spousal benefits.

Step 3: Calculate the 50% Spousal Benefit

At FRA, the maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s PIA. If your spouse’s FRA benefit is $2,400, your maximum spousal benefit is $1,200. Delaying spousal benefits past FRA does not increase the amount.

Step 4: Adjust for Early or Late Claiming

Spouses who claim Social Security benefits before full retirement age receive a reduced amount. The spousal benefit starts at 50% of the worker’s primary insurance amount (PIA) but decreases if claimed early.

For up to 36 months early, the benefit is reduced by 25/36 of 1% per month (or 0.694% per month). Beyond 36 months, it is further reduced by 5/12 of 1% per month (or 0.416% per month).

For example, if your spouse’s PIA is $2,400, the base spousal benefit is $1,200. Claiming three years early reduces it by 25%, resulting in a $900 monthly benefit (37.5% of your spouse’s PIA).

How Spousal Benefits Work for Divorced Spouses

Divorced individuals may qualify for spousal benefits if their marriage lasted at least 10 years and they have not remarried. These benefits function like standard spousal benefits, with a maximum of 50% of the ex-spouse’s benefit. To qualify you must meet these general rules:

• The marriage must have lasted at least 10 years
• Must have been divorced for at least two consecutive years
• The individual claiming must be unmarried
• The claimant must be aged 62 or older
• The ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits

Contact the Social Security office to check eligibility, but only when ready to apply.

Bottom Line

Between the calculations and strategic timing for claims, maximizing your spousal Social Security benefits may seem like a very difficult task. However, understanding these aspects and their impact can be a game changer for your retirement income, particularly for lower-earning spouses. 

Careful planning and strategic decision-making, in consultation with a financial advisor, may contribute to a more financially secure retirement. As you navigate these complexities, remember, taking a proactive approach now can benefit you in the future. So, carry on learning and researching about maximizing Social Security spousal benefits as it can be an essential part of your retirement planning.

Retirement Planning Tips

• Understanding Social Security benefits is just one important aspect of planning for your retirement. In order to effectively prepare for the retirement you want, you’ll need to create a budget and long-term plan. A financial advisor can help you prepare and manage your retirement assets. 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. 
• You can use SmartAsset’s retirement calculator to help you determine how much you need to save in order to retire comfortably. 

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/insta_photos, ©iStock.com/SDI Productions, ©iStock.com/RealPeopleGroup