Social Security Spousal Benefits Explained
The spousal benefit gives you up to 50% of your spouse's benefit. Here is who qualifies, how reductions work, and the claiming rules.
The spousal benefit gives you up to 50% of your spouse's benefit. Here is who qualifies, how reductions work, and the claiming rules.
If your own retirement benefit is lower than half of your spouse's, you may be entitled to a spousal benefit. At full retirement age it equals 50% of your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount; claiming earlier reduces it (about 30% less at 62).
You receive the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit — not both. Eligibility basics: you must be 62+ (unless disabled or caring for a child under 16), and your spouse must have filed for their own benefit (or you qualify as divorced after 10 years of marriage, unmarried, 62+).
Run the numbers in the spousal benefit calculator, and see married-couple strategies for coordinating the two claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a spousal benefit?
Up to 50% of the spouse's PIA, claimed at FRA. Claiming at 62 reduces it to about 35% of the spouse's PIA (a 30% reduction).
Do I get my benefit plus the spousal benefit?
No — you receive the higher of the two. The calculator shows which wins for you.
Can a divorced spouse get spousal benefits?
Yes, if the marriage lasted 10+ years, you are unmarried, and you are 62+ — see divorced spouse benefits.