Edited by 
Edited by 
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.
Calculate whether your retirement savings is on track, including your expected Social Security paymetns:
Retirement Calculator
Calculate whether or not you’re on track to meet your retirement savings goals.
About This Calculator
To estimate how much you may need to save for retirement, we begin by calculating how much you're expected to spend over the course of your retirement. This includes estimating the income you'll need based on your lifestyle preferences, then factoring in how many years you may spend in retirement. We assume a lifespan of 95 by default, though you can adjust it after your calculation is complete.
Once we have a clearer view of your total retirement needs, we use our models to evaluate your existing and future resources. This includes estimating retirement income from Social Security and the impact of current retirement plans, pensions and other accounts. For additional inputs and a comprehensive retirement plan, please see our full Retirement Calculator.
Assumptions
Lifespan: We assume you will live to 95. We stop the analysis there, regardless of your spouse's age.
Retirement accounts: We automatically distribute your future savings optimally among different retirement accounts. We assume that the IRS contribution limits for your retirement accounts increase with inflation.
Social Security: We estimate your Social Security income using your stated annual income and assuming you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for 35 years prior to retirement. Our estimate is sensitive to penalties for early retirement and credits for delaying claiming Social Security benefits.
Return on savings: We assume the percentage return on your savings differs by whether you're pre- or post-retirement and by account type, with a distinction between investment accounts and savings accounts. This assumption does not account for market volatility or investment losses and assumes positive growth over time. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
SmartAsset.com is not intended to provide legal advice, tax advice, accounting advice or financial advice (Other than referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States). Articles, opinions, and tools are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The retirement calculator is meant to demonstrate different potential scenarios to consider, and is not intended to provide definitive answers to anyone's financial situation. We always suggest that you consult your accountant, tax, legal or financial advisor concerning your individual situation.
This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Working with an adviser may come with potential downsides such as payment of fees (which will reduce returns). Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. The existence of a fiduciary duty does not prevent the rise of potential conflicts of interest.
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