Spousal Social Security: 7 Key Things to Know

When one spouse earns significantly less than the other, the lower-earning spouse may be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits. However, before you decide it's time to make a claim, here are seven key things you should know.

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1. No work history required

Let's say you're married to someone who has earned more throughout their career than you have. Even if you never worked outside the home, you may still receive benefits based on your spouse's earnings history. At full retirement age (FRA) -- 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later -- your benefit can equal up to 50% of your spouse's FRA benefit. For example, if your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is $3,000 per month, you can receive $1,500 per month.

2. You must meet several conditions

Generally, to collect on a spouse's record, several conditions must be met: Your spouse must already be receiving retirement or disability benefits. You must be at least 62 (although there's no age requirement if you're caring for your spouse's child and that child is under 16 or disabled). You must have been married for at least one continuous year.

3. 50% of PIA is as far as it goes

If your spouse decides to build extra work credits by working past their FRA, they'll maximize their Social Security benefit. But your spousal benefit will still be fixed at 50% of their PIA.

4. You can claim early -- but at a cost

You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62 (if your spouse is already receiving benefits). However, doing so permanently reduces your monthly payment by up to 30%.

5. Benefits are "topped up"

If you worked outside the home, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay benefits based on the amount you qualified for first. If half of your spouse's benefit at PIA is higher than your monthly benefit, the SSA will add a spousal top-up, so your total equals the higher spousal amount. However, you'll never receive two full benefits at the same time.

6. Divorced spouses may qualify

If a couple was married for at least 10 continuous years but is now divorced, the lower-earning spouse may be able to claim spousal benefits based on the ex's work record. Claiming spousal benefits based on an ex's work record in no way impacts the amount of Social Security the ex, or a new spouse, will receive. And, according to the SSA, if you signed away your rights to Social Security in a divorce decree but were married for at least 10 years, the decree is worthless and not enforced.

7. Spousal benefits end at death

When the higher-earning spouse dies, regular spousal benefits end and can be replaced by survivor benefits. Survivor benefits may be up to 100% of the deceased spouse's Social Security benefit, depending on your age at claiming. Survivor rules differ from standard spousal benefits, so they may require separate planning.

Once you understand the rules surrounding spousal benefits, you're in an excellent position to figure out the best time to claim.

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