Social Security Spousal Benefits
Complete guide to Social Security spousal benefits in 2025. Learn how spouses can receive up to 50% of their partner's retirement benefit, eligibility requirements for current and divorced spouses, and strategies to maximize your household's Social Security income.
What Are Spousal Benefits?
Social Security spousal benefits provide financial support to spouses who have limited or no work history of their own. If you're married to someone who qualifies for Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive up to 50% of your spouse's full retirement age benefit amount.
This program recognizes that many couples have one spouse who stayed home to raise children or had lower lifetime earnings. Spousal benefits ensure that both partners can have retirement income, even if only one worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
Importantly, spousal benefits are also available to divorced spouses who were married for at least 10 years, providing continued support even after a marriage ends. Your ex-spouse's remarriage doesn't affect your eligibility, and claiming benefits on their record doesn't reduce their benefit amount.
Spousal Benefits Key Facts
Essential information about Social Security spousal benefits
Maximum Benefit
Up to 50% of your spouse's full retirement age benefit amount
Minimum Age
Age 62 for retirement benefits, or any age if caring for eligible child
Marriage Length
At least 1 year for current spouses, 10 years for divorced spouses
No Work Required
You don't need work credits to qualify for spousal benefits
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for spousal benefits, you must meet these requirements
Marriage Duration
You must be married to the worker for at least one year (or be the parent of the worker's child).
Age Requirement
You must be at least 62 years old, or any age if caring for a child under 16 or disabled who receives benefits.
Spouse's Status
Your spouse must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
Benefit Comparison
Your spousal benefit must be higher than your own retirement benefit based on your work record.
How Much Will You Receive?
Understanding spousal benefit amounts and reductions
Maximum Spousal Benefit
The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's full retirement age (FRA) benefit. This is the amount you'll receive if you wait until your own full retirement age to claim.
Example Calculation:
• If your spouse's FRA benefit is $2,000/month
• Your maximum spousal benefit at your FRA = $1,000/month (50%)
• If you claim at age 62 = approximately $650/month (32.5%)
Age-Based Reductions:
Claiming at Age 62
Approximately 32.5% of spouse's FRA benefit (35% reduction from maximum)
Claiming at Full Retirement Age
Full 50% of spouse's FRA benefit (no reduction)
Delaying Past FRA
No increase - spousal benefits don't grow with delayed claiming
Important Note
Unlike retirement benefits, spousal benefits do NOT increase if you delay claiming past your full retirement age. The maximum spousal benefit is always 50% of your spouse's FRA benefit, regardless of when your spouse claimed or how long you wait past your own FRA.
Divorced Spouse Benefits
You may be eligible for benefits based on your ex-spouse's work record
Requirements for Divorced Spouses
Marriage Length
You must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years.
Current Marital Status
You must currently be unmarried to receive benefits on your ex-spouse's record.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 62 years old.
Ex-Spouse Eligibility
Your ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security benefits (but doesn't need to be receiving them if you've been divorced for at least 2 years).
Benefit Amount
The benefit you're entitled to on your own work record must be less than the benefit you would receive on your ex-spouse's record.
Good News
- • Your ex-spouse doesn't need to have filed for benefits (if divorced 2+ years)
- • Your ex-spouse's remarriage doesn't affect your eligibility
- • Your benefits don't reduce your ex-spouse's benefits
- • Multiple ex-spouses can receive benefits on the same record
Important Limits
- • You must be currently unmarried to receive divorced spouse benefits
- • If you remarry, you generally can't collect on your ex-spouse's record
- • Exception: Remarriage after age 60 doesn't affect survivor benefits
- • Same age-based reductions apply as for current spouses
How to Apply for Spousal Benefits
Three convenient ways to apply for Social Security spousal benefits
Apply Online (Recommended)
Visit SSA.gov to apply for spousal benefits online. You can complete the application at your own pace and save your progress. This is the fastest and most convenient method.
Start Online ApplicationCall to Apply
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.
Call 1-800-772-1213Visit a Local Office
Schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office for in-person assistance. Bring all required documents including marriage certificate, birth certificate, and identification.
Find Local OfficeDocuments You'll Need
- Your Social Security number
- Birth certificate or proof of birth
- Marriage certificate
- Spouse's Social Security number
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Bank account information for direct deposit
- W-2 or tax returns (if you also worked)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Social Security spousal benefits
How much is the spousal benefit?
How much is the spousal benefit?
Can I get spousal benefits if I never worked?
Can I get spousal benefits if I never worked?
Can I collect spousal benefits and my own retirement benefits?
Can I collect spousal benefits and my own retirement benefits?
What if my spouse hasn't filed for Social Security yet?
What if my spouse hasn't filed for Social Security yet?
How does early claiming affect spousal benefits?
How does early claiming affect spousal benefits?
Can I switch from my own benefit to spousal benefits later?
Can I switch from my own benefit to spousal benefits later?
Do spousal benefits affect my spouse's benefit amount?
Do spousal benefits affect my spouse's benefit amount?
Can I get spousal benefits if my ex-spouse remarried?
Can I get spousal benefits if my ex-spouse remarried?
What happens to spousal benefits if my spouse dies?
What happens to spousal benefits if my spouse dies?
Can I work while receiving spousal benefits?
Can I work while receiving spousal benefits?
Important Considerations
Key factors to consider when planning for spousal benefits
Timing Strategies
- Consider waiting until your FRA to avoid permanent reductions
- No benefit to delaying past your FRA for spousal benefits
- Coordinate with your spouse's claiming strategy
Earnings Limits
- 2025 limit: $22,320 if under FRA all year
- $1 deducted for every $2 earned above limit
- No earnings limit after reaching FRA
Government Pension Offset
- May reduce spousal benefits if you have a government pension
- Applies to pensions from work not covered by Social Security
- Benefit reduced by 2/3 of government pension amount
Tax Implications
- Spousal benefits may be subject to federal income tax
- Based on your combined income from all sources
- Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable
Ready to Apply for Spousal Benefits?
Whether you're planning for retirement or need to apply now, understanding your spousal benefit options is crucial for maximizing your household's Social Security income.
Related Resources
Explore more information about Social Security benefits