As 2026 gets closer, many married and divorced Americans are taking a closer look at Social Security spousal benefits. These benefits are meant to help people who may not have earned enough on their own through work. With higher living costs and growing retirement concerns, knowing how spousal benefits work can provide important financial support during retirement years.

What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits

Social Security spousal benefits allow one spouse to receive payments based on the work history of the other spouse. This option is especially helpful for individuals who spent years caring for family, working part-time, or earning lower wages. A qualifying spouse can receive up to half of the working spouse’s full retirement age benefit. This payment does not reduce the worker’s own Social Security benefit, as both are calculated separately.

Who Is Eligible for Spousal Benefits

To qualify for spousal benefits, the requesting spouse usually must be at least 62 years old. In certain situations, a younger spouse may qualify if they are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled. The working spouse must already be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits before spousal payments can begin.

Divorced individuals may also qualify under specific rules. If the marriage lasted at least ten years and the person has not remarried, they may be eligible. In many cases, the former spouse does not even need to have claimed benefits yet, as long as both age requirements are met.

How Benefit Amounts Are Calculated

Spousal benefits are based on the worker’s full retirement age benefit, not the reduced amount they may receive if they claimed early. The maximum spousal benefit is 50 percent of that full amount when claimed at full retirement age. If claimed earlier, the benefit is permanently reduced. Waiting beyond full retirement age does not increase spousal benefits further.

If a person qualifies for both their own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, Social Security pays their own benefit first. If the spousal amount is higher, an additional amount is added so the total equals the spousal benefit level.

Payment Timing and Application Process

Spousal benefits are paid monthly on the same schedule as regular Social Security benefits. Payments are spread throughout the month and depend on the recipient’s date of birth. To apply, applicants must provide identification and proof of marriage or divorce. Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or in person.

Why Planning Matters

Many people lose money by claiming spousal benefits too early or misunderstanding how the reductions work. Others miss out entirely because they do not realize they qualify. Learning the rules early allows couples to plan better and avoid costly mistakes.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide legal, financial, or retirement advice. Social Security rules, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts may change and vary based on individual circumstances. Readers should verify details directly with the Social Security Administration or consult a qualified professional before making any benefit-related decisions.