Social Security provides valuable benefits not just for workers, but also for their spouses. Understanding spousal benefits can significantly increase a couples combined retirement income. Whether you worked outside the home, had lower earnings, or are divorced, spousal benefits may provide additional income in retirement. This guide explains how spousal benefits work and strategies to maximize your household Social Security income.
In This Article
1How Spousal Benefits Work
Spousal benefits allow a husband or wife to claim up to 50% of their spouses full retirement age (FRA) benefit. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years old, married for at least one year, and your spouse must have filed for their own benefits. You will receive the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit – not both. If your own benefit exceeds 50% of your spouses, you will not receive additional spousal benefits. The spousal benefit is based on your spouses FRA amount, regardless of when they actually claimed.
2Timing Your Spousal Benefit Claim
When you claim spousal benefits affects how much you receive. Claiming at your FRA provides the full 50% spousal benefit. Claiming earlier permanently reduces your benefit – at 62, you might receive only 32.5% of your spouses FRA amount. Unlike worker benefits, spousal benefits do not increase by delaying past FRA. The optimal claiming strategy depends on both spouses ages, health, and benefit amounts. Generally, the higher earner should delay to maximize the eventual survivor benefit.
3Survivor Benefits for Widows and Widowers
When a spouse dies, the surviving spouse can claim survivor benefits equal to 100% of the deceased spouses benefit (if claimed at FRA or later). Survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (50 if disabled), though claiming early reduces the amount. A key strategy is for the higher earner to delay claiming until 70, maximizing the survivor benefit that will support the surviving spouse. Survivors can switch between their own benefit and survivor benefit at different ages to maximize lifetime income.
4Benefits for Divorced Spouses
If you were married for at least 10 years and are currently unmarried, you may claim spousal benefits based on your ex-spouses record. You can claim even if your ex has not filed for benefits, as long as you have been divorced for at least two years and both are at least 62. Your claim does not affect your ex-spouses benefits or their current spouses benefits. If your ex-spouse dies, you may be eligible for survivor benefits. These rules provide important protections for those who left the workforce during marriage.
5Coordinating Couples Claiming Strategies
Married couples should coordinate their claiming strategies to maximize lifetime household benefits. Common strategies include having the lower earner claim early while the higher earner delays to 70, maximizing the eventual survivor benefit. Consider each spouses health and life expectancy – if the higher earner has health issues, earlier claiming may make sense. Use Social Security calculators or work with a financial advisor to model different scenarios and find the optimal strategy for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Spousal benefits can provide up to 50% of your spouses FRA benefit
- Claiming spousal benefits early permanently reduces the amount
- Survivor benefits equal 100% of the deceased spouses benefit
- Divorced spouses may claim benefits after 10+ years of marriage
- Coordinate claiming strategies to maximize household lifetime benefits
Conclusion
Spousal Social Security benefits can significantly boost retirement income for married couples, divorced individuals, and surviving spouses. Understanding these benefits and coordinating claiming strategies can add tens of thousands of dollars to your lifetime Social Security income. Take time to analyze your options carefully, considering both spouses benefits, health, and financial needs.