What Are Spousal Social Security Benefits?

Planning for retirement involves many complex decisions. For married couples, understanding how Social Security works is a critical piece of the puzzle. While many people are familiar with retirement benefits based on their own work history, a lesser-known but equally important component is spousal benefits. These provisions are designed to provide financial support to a spouse who may have earned less or has no earnings history. These rules can be confusing, especially when you are already managing the emotional and financial pressures of planning for your family’s future. You want to ensure your loved ones are secure, and that can create a lot of stress. Wilson & Wilson empowers you to confidently navigate spousal Social Security benefits so you make informed decisions about your family’s financial future.

Here’s what aging couples need to know:

• Spousal Social Security benefits provide financial support to a spouse based on the earnings record of the higher-earning partner.
• A spouse may qualify for up to 50% of the working partner’s full retirement benefit amount.
• These benefits are available to spouses who are at least 62 years old or caring for a qualifying child.
• Eligibility is dependent on the working spouse having earned enough credits through their employment history.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

To receive spousal benefits, certain conditions must be met. These rules ensure that the benefits are distributed as intended.

First, your spouse must be receiving their own Social Security retirement or disability benefits. You generally must be at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits. However, if you are caring for a child who is under 16 or has a disability and is entitled to benefits on your spouse’s record, you may be able to receive benefits at a younger age.

Furthermore, you typically must have been married to your spouse for at least one continuous year before you can apply for their benefits. It’s important to remember that these benefits are a right under the law, designed to provide a safety net for families.

How Are Spousal Benefits Calculated?

The amount you can receive as a spousal benefit is directly tied to your spouse’s earnings record. You may be eligible for up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit amount.

The timing of your claim is crucial. If you begin receiving spousal benefits before you reach your full retirement age, your benefit will be permanently reduced. By waiting until you reach full retirement age, you can unlock the maximum possible spousal benefit available to you.

If you are also eligible for your own Social Security retirement benefits, a rule known as “deemed filing” applies. This means that when you apply for one benefit, you are automatically applying for both. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay your own benefit first. If the spousal benefit is higher, you will receive a combined payment that equals the higher amount. 

Secure Your Family’s Future

Understanding spousal Social Security benefits is a key step in forming a solid financial future for your family. These benefits can provide significant support during retirement, especially when one spouse was the primary earner. However, the rules are complex, and your personal circumstances will determine the best strategy for you and your loved ones.

Making these decisions can feel like a heavy weight, but you don’t have to carry it alone. At Wilson & Wilson, we are dedicated to helping families navigate these tough conversations with compassion. Prepare alongside our attorneys at a consultation: contact us now.