Social Security spousal benefits allow a married person to receive benefits based on their spouse's earnings record. At full retirement age, the maximum possible spousal benefit is up to 50% of the other spouse's full retirement age benefit.
Many people think of Social Security as an individual benefit based only on their own work history. However, for couples with different earnings histories, Social Security spousal benefits can play an important role in retirement income planning. Understanding who qualifies, how benefit amounts are determined, and how Social Security spousal benefits work with your own benefit can help married couples evaluate their claiming options.
📌Learn more about Claiming Social Security? Timing is Everything
What Is a Social Security Spousal Benefit?
A Social Security spousal benefit allows one spouse to receive benefits based on the other spouse's earnings record.
Spousal benefits may be available when one spouse's own retirement benefit is lower than the benefit available through the other spouse's earnings record. This can include someone who earned less during their career or does not qualify for Social Security benefits based on their own work history.
Who Qualifies for a Spousal Benefit?
To qualify for a spousal benefit, several requirements must be met:
- You generally must be at least age 62.
- You must be married to the worker whose earnings record is being used. In most cases, the marriage must have lasted at least one year.
- In most cases, your spouse must have started receiving Social Security retirement benefits before you can receive a spousal benefit based on their earnings record.
- The benefit available through your spouse's earnings record must be higher than the benefit available based on your own work history.
Separate rules may also allow some divorced spouses to qualify for benefits based on a former spouse's earnings record.
How Much Can a Spousal Benefit Be?
To receive the maximum spousal benefit, you must wait until your own full retirement age. At that point, the maximum spousal benefit can be up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement age benefit. If you claim a spousal benefit before reaching your full retirement age, the benefit is generally reduced.
It is important to note that the 50% calculation is based on your spouse's benefit at their full retirement age, regardless of when they actually claim Social Security. It does not include any additional benefit earned by delaying Social Security beyond full retirement age.
For example, if the higher-earning spouse's benefit at full retirement age is $2,000 per month, the maximum spousal benefit possible would be $1,000 per month.
How Do Social Security Spousal Benefits Work If You Have Your Own Benefit?
If you qualify for both your own Social Security benefit and a spousal benefit, Social Security does not simply add the two amounts together.
Instead, Social Security pays your own benefit first and may add a spousal amount if doing so increases your total monthly benefit. In other words, the 50% rule does not mean you receive your own benefit plus an additional 50% of your spouse's benefit.
For example, assume the higher-earning spouse's benefit at full retirement age is $1,400 per month. The maximum spousal benefit would be $700 per month. If you claim at your full retirement age and your own benefit is $500 per month, Social Security would pay your $500 benefit first and then add $200 as a spousal benefit, bringing your total monthly amount to $700.
The higher-earning spouse would continue receiving their own Social Security benefit. Receiving a spousal benefit does not reduce the other spouse's benefit.
How Can Spousal Benefits Affect Retirement Income?
Understanding potential spousal benefits can help married couples estimate their retirement income and evaluate when to claim Social Security. For households with different earnings histories, these benefits may affect both the amount and timing of income received.
If you would like to discuss how Social Security benefits may fit into your retirement plan, we're here to help. You can schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with our team in Glastonbury or Wilton, Connecticut, to discuss your options and retirement income needs.
Have a quick question instead? Send us a note.
| Schedule a Complimentary Introductory Meeting |
Kelsey Conklin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional who helps individuals and families plan for their financial future. Based in Glastonbury and Wilton, CT, she also specializes in financial planning for women, guiding her clients through divorce, widowhood, career transitions, caregiving responsibilities, retirement planning, investing, and managing longevity risks. As a female financial advisor, Kelsey is passionate about financial empowerment for women and provides personalized financial strategies designed to help women take control of their wealth with clarity. Whether you’re navigating major life changes or planning for retirement, she is committed to providing guidance tailored to your goals. Schedule a complimentary Women and Wealth introductory meeting with Kelsey and start building a financial plan designed for you.
This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and it does not constitute a recommendation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Any opinions are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.