There are eligibility requirements that determine whether spouses or ex-spouses qualify for spousal benefits. The Social ...

The two non-negotiable factors to qualify for Social Security spousal benefits are: the qualifying spouse currently receiving ...

One of the most important parts of the program, especially for married couples, is Social Security spousal benefits.

If you can keep working while looking after your health, do it. You get 100% of your Social Security benefit at full ...

Key PointsSocial Security spousal benefits can be a big source of retirement income.The rules of spousal benefits are often misunderstood.It's important to know when you're eligible for spousal ...

Spouses can qualify for a Social Security spousal benefit if they are at least 62 years old and both spouses have filed for Social Security. Image source: Getty Images.

If you’re looking to increase your Social Security spousal benefits, there’s no easy route. Spousal benefits are based off of a worker’s 35-year wage history of paying into Social Security.

Like standard benefits, you can claim spousal benefits before your FRA, beginning at age 62. For the primary claimer, benefits are reduced by 5/9 of 1% each month before their FRA, up to 36 months.

According to the 2024 Social Security Statistical Supplement, there are about 1.98 million people actively receiving a spousal benefit from Social Security. The average monthly benefit was $890.24 ...

What that means is that you can't "stack" spousal benefits on top of your own Social Security income and get two checks. Moreover, you can't elect to receive spousal benefits at age 62, then later ...

To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, you must be married for a year, your spouse must currently receive retirement benefits, and one of the following must apply: You're at least 62 ...