Eligibility Requirements for Spouse Social Security Benefits: A Comprehensive Overview
In the United States, millions of married couples have one spouse who is the primary earner, and for many, Social Security spousal benefits can provide an essential source of additional retirement income. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the qualifications, calculations, and benefits of Social Security spousal benefits.
**Qualifying for Social Security Spousal Benefits**
To be eligible for spousal benefits, you must meet certain criteria. Firstly, you must be at least 62 years old (or 50 if you are a widow or widower and qualify for survivor benefits due to a disability). You and your spouse must also have been married for at least one year in most cases, and for divorced spouses, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years.
The spouse whose record is used for calculating the spousal benefit must have earned at least 40 work credits, equivalent to roughly 10 years of contributions to Social Security. Additionally, your spouse must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
For non-U.S. citizen spouses, there are additional requirements, such as lawful presence in the U.S., or certain exceptions if living overseas. Widows and widowers may also qualify for survivor benefits at an earlier age if they are caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child.
**Calculating Social Security Spousal Benefits**
The spousal benefit is based on the spouse’s Social Security benefit at their full retirement age (FRA). You can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement age benefit if you claim at your full retirement age. If you claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, the amount is reduced to about 32.5% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit, increasing gradually each month until you reach full retirement age.
It's important to note that you cannot receive both your own retirement benefit and spousal benefits separately; instead, you receive a combined amount equal to the higher of the two. Waiting to claim benefits increases your own benefit amount, but your spouse’s benefit is unaffected if your spouse claims spousal benefits on your record.
**Summary**
In summary, to qualify for a spousal benefit, you need to be married or have been married for more than 10 years. Nearly 2 million people received a spousal benefit in 2025. The reduction in a spousal benefit is 33% for every year before full retirement age, up to three years early.
In many cases, a spousal benefit can provide much-needed retirement income for couples where one spouse qualifies for a higher Social Security benefit than the other. Social Security is the only inflation-protected source of income for many retirees, making it crucial to understand how spousal benefits work.
To check the potential spousal benefit amount, individuals can log in to their Social Security accounts at www.ssa.gov or create an account if they haven't already. Knowing both the qualifications and the costs of claiming early will help individuals incorporate spousal benefits into their retirement planning.
In the realm of personal-finance, understanding the qualifications for Social Security spousal benefits is significant, especially when one spouse's benefit is significantly higher than the other. Eligibility criteria include being at least 62 years old, having been married for a year (or more in certain cases), and meeting specific work credit requirements.
Managing your financial affairs wisely during retirement can be made easier with Social Security spousal benefits. If you qualify, you can receive up to 50% of your spouse's retirement benefit at your full retirement age, providing an essential source of additional money to support your personal-finance needs.
