Social Security spousal benefits represent a fundamental pillar for spouses of retired or disabled workers. These allow access to up to 50% of the holder’s primary insurance amount (PIA), calculated based on their full retirement age. This support is vital for those who have not accumulated enough work credits, ensuring financial stability during old age.
Requirements differ between current spouses and former spouses. For the former, the worker must receive benefits, the marriage must last at least one year, and the applicant must be 62 years old or older, or care for a child under 16 years old. In cases of divorce, a marriage of at least 10 years, single status when applying and a minimum age of 62 years are required.
Eligibility by marital status varies
Former spouses can claim benefits even if the worker has not applied for theirs, as long as two years have passed since the divorce. Additionally, if the holder receives disability benefits, the spouse or former spouse could obtain up to 75% of the PIA if caring for a disabled child, subject to family limits.
The base amount is equivalent to 50% of the worker’s PIA. However, if claimed before full retirement age, the benefit is progressively reduced. For each month advanced in the first 36 months, the decrease is 25/36 of 1%. After that period, the additional reduction is 5/12 of 1% per month.
A PIA of $2,000 generates a base benefit of $1,000 for the spouse, as an example. If you request it 36 months before your retirement age, a 25% reduction will be applied, leaving the payment at $750. If the request is made 60 months in advance, the total reduction will be 35%, resulting in a payment of 650 per month. The SSA will always pay the higher amount of your personal benefit and your spousal benefit.
In January 2025, the average spousal benefit was $931 per month, adjusted for a 2.5% COLA compared to previous years, according to official projections. Amounts may vary depending on claim age, spouse’s work history, and application of optimization strategies.
Application process and required documentation
Applications are made online through the “Benefits for Spouses” area, on the SSA’s official website, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at local SSA offices. A marriage certificate, Social Security numbers, and proof of age or child custody must be presented. The agency suggests using calculators like Spouse’s Benefit Estimates to estimate payments before applying.
A common tactic is to delay claiming one’s own benefit to take advantage of 8% annual growth until age 70, while receiving spousal benefits. In couples with unequal incomes, the lower-earning spouse can claim their benefit first and then switch to the spouse. The “deemed filing” requires the SSA to pay the higher amount if both are requested simultaneously.
Spousal benefits are taxable at the federal level and, in some states, based on total income. If the worker dies, the spouse could qualify for survivor benefits, equivalent to 100% of the PIA. It is crucial to consult a financial advisor to evaluate tax impacts and coordinate strategies with other income.