Social Security has officially confirmed that spouses can receive benefits of up to 50% of their partner’s retirement payment, even if they have never held a formal job. This program allows husbands, wives, and certain ex-spouses to access retirement benefits without having contributed directly to the system. Despite the availability of these spousal benefits, many individuals remain unaware of their existence or eligibility criteria.
Currently, approximately 2 million people receive spousal benefits, while over 53 million individuals collect regular retirement payments. Understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for those interested in claiming these benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Benefits
To qualify for spousal benefits, there are four main criteria to consider.
1. **Spouse’s Eligibility**: The first requirement is that your spouse must be eligible for their own Social Security retirement benefits. This means they need to have accumulated 40 credits, which generally equates to around 10 years of work. As of 2025, one credit is earned for every $1,810 in income, with a maximum of four credits available each year. If your spouse does not meet this work history requirement, you cannot claim spousal benefits.
2. **Marriage Duration**: If you are currently married, you typically must have been married for at least one year to qualify for spousal benefits. There are exceptions to this rule: if you and your spouse have a child together, or if you were already qualified for Social Security benefits before your marriage. For divorced individuals, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, and you cannot be remarried when applying.
3. **Timing of Benefits**: You cannot apply for spousal benefits until your spouse begins receiving their retirement benefits. If you qualify based on your own work history, you may start your retirement benefits while waiting for your partner to claim theirs. Additionally, if you have been divorced for at least two years, you can apply for spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record, even if they have not yet started their benefits.
4. **Higher Benefit Rule**: If you qualify for both spousal benefits and your own retirement benefits, you will only receive the higher of the two amounts. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s full retirement age (FRA) benefit. Individuals born in 1960 or later have an FRA of 67 years. Benefits may be reduced if claimed before reaching FRA, but the increase in benefits varies depending on when claims are made.
Considerations When Claiming Benefits
It is essential to evaluate your options carefully. Typically, spousal benefits are advantageous only if your spouse has a significantly higher income during their career. As a result, many Americans opt to receive their own retirement benefits, which often results in a higher payout.
In conclusion, understanding the specifics of Social Security spousal benefits can have a significant impact on retirement planning. Individuals should not assume they know their options and should explore both spousal and personal retirement benefits to maximize their financial support during retirement.