Determining Your Eligibility for Spousal Social Security Supplements: A Guide
Over 40% of baby boomers rely on Social Security as their main income source during retirement, as per a 2024 report by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. If you or your partner meet the eligibility criteria, spousal benefits can significantly increase your retirement income. As of January 2025, the typical spouse of a retired worker receives roughly $931 per month in spousal benefits. However, there are strict conditions to be met to receive these perks.
Your Spouse Should Qualify for Benefits
Firstly, your spouse must be eligible for either retirement or disability benefits. In such a scenario, you can collect up to 50% of their full benefit or the amount they'll collect at their full retirement age. Conversely, if your spouse doesn't qualify for Social Security, you won't be entitled to benefits based on their record.
Divorced individuals may also be eligible for similar benefits. If your previous marriage lasted for at least 10 years and you haven't remarried yet, you can receive spousal benefits on your ex-spouse's record. If your ex-spouse has remarried, you can still claim divorce benefits, which won't affect their or their current spouse's benefits in any way.
You Must Reach the Required Age
Generally, you should be at least 62 years old to qualify for spousal or divorce benefits. However, there are exceptions for individuals caring for their spouse's child. If the child is under 16 or disabled and receives Social Security based on your spouse's record, you can collect spousal benefits at any age.
It's crucial to note that filing for spousal benefits before your full retirement age might result in reduced payments. Delaying your claim past your full retirement age won't increase your monthly spousal or divorce benefits.
Your Retirement Benefit Should Be Lower Than Your Spousal Benefit
If you're eligible for your own retirement benefits based on your work history, your payments may be reduced depending upon your income. Social Security will pay you your retirement benefit first, but if your spousal benefit is higher, you'll receive an additional payment, ensuring your total benefit equals the higher amount.
For instance, say your retirement benefit is $1000, while your spouse can collect $3000 at full retirement age. This would allow you to receive up to $1500 in spousal benefits. In this situation, you would receive $1000 in retirement benefits along with an additional $500 in spousal benefits, making your total monthly payment $1500.
If your retirement benefit is already higher than your spousal benefit, you won't be eligible for spousal benefits.
Your Benefits Might Change if Your Spouse Dies
While this isn't a requirement, it's essential to know how a spouse's passing might impact your Social Security. If your spouse passes away, you'll stop receiving spousal benefits, but you might be entitled to survivors benefits instead. The amount you can receive ranges between 71.5% and 100% of your spouse's benefit, depending on when you file.
Ex-spouses can also sometimes qualify for survivors benefits in specific circumstances. Since there are numerous factors influencing eligibility, contact your local Social Security office to determine whether you qualify and the potential amount of your benefits.
- In some cases, the average spousal benefit equals approximately $931 per month, as reported in a 2025 report.
- If your partner does not meet the eligibility criteria for Social Security benefits, you won't be entitled to any spousal benefits based on their record.
- A credit line is crucial for spousal or divorce benefits, as it helps determine the size of your potential benefits.
- If you file for spousal benefits before your full retirement age, your payments might be reduced, and delaying your claim won't increase your monthly spousal or divorce benefits.
