Social Security benefits play a crucial role in retirement planning, especially for married couples. A significant benefit many couples consider is the spousal benefit, which allows one spouse to collect up to 50% of the other spouse’s Social Security benefits.
This article will break down when your spouse can collect half of your Social Security, the eligibility criteria, and how various factors such as age and employment history affect these benefits.
Understanding Spousal Social Security Benefits
Spousal benefits are designed to support individuals who have limited work histories, allowing them to access Social Security benefits based on their spouse’s earnings record. Here are the key factors that determine spousal benefits:
- Eligibility: To claim spousal benefits, your spouse must be at least 62 years old. However, if your spouse is caring for your child who is under 16 or who is disabled, they can claim benefits before age 62.
- Full Retirement Age (FRA): Your spouse will only receive 50% of your Social Security benefits if they claim at their FRA, which ranges between ages 66 and 67, depending on their birth year.
- Reduction for Early Claiming: If your spouse claims benefits before reaching their FRA, the spousal benefit will be reduced. For example, if they claim at age 62, they will only receive around 32.5% of your benefit rather than the full 50%.
When Can My Spouse Collect Half of My Social Security?
To collect half of your Social Security benefits, your spouse must meet several conditions:
- You Must Have Claimed Your Benefits: For your spouse to collect spousal benefits, you must have filed for your own Social Security benefits. If you delay claiming Social Security, your spouse cannot receive the spousal benefit until you do.
- Age Requirements: As mentioned, your spouse can start receiving benefits at age 62, but they will receive reduced benefits if they claim before their FRA. To get the full 50% of your benefits, they must wait until their FRA.
- Your Earnings History: The spousal benefit is calculated based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the amount you are entitled to at your FRA. Your spouse’s benefit will be 50% of your PIA, regardless of when you claim your benefits.
Impact of Divorce on Spousal Benefits
Divorced spouses may also be eligible for spousal benefits under certain conditions:
- You must have been married for at least 10 years.
- The divorced spouse must be at least 62 years old and must not be currently married.
- The ex-spouse can claim benefits even if you have not yet claimed Social Security, as long as you are both at least 62 years old and have been divorced for at least two years.
It’s important to note that if you have multiple ex-spouses, they can all claim benefits based on your record, as long as they meet the criteria, and it will not reduce the amount you or your current spouse receive.
How Are Spousal Benefits Calculated?
The spousal benefit is based on the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the benefit amount you are entitled to at your full retirement age. Here’s how the calculation works:
| Scenario | Benefit Received by Spouse (%) |
|---|---|
| Spouse claims at Full Retirement Age | 50% of worker’s benefit |
| Spouse claims at age 62 | 32.5% of worker’s benefit |
| Spouse claims with qualifying child | 50% (no reduction) |
If your spouse claims benefits before their FRA, the amount is reduced by about 25/36 of 1% for each month they claim before their FRA, up to 36 months. For claims more than 36 months early, the benefit is further reduced by 5/12 of 1% per month.
For example, if your benefit at FRA is $2,000, your spouse could receive up to $1,000 per month if they claim at their FRA. However, if they claim at 62, their benefit will be reduced to about $650 per month.
What Happens If Your Spouse Is Eligible for Their Own Benefits?
If your spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits based on their own work history, they can receive either their own benefit or the spousal benefit—whichever is higher.
For example, if your spouse’s own benefit is $900 and their spousal benefit would be $1,000, they would receive $1,000. However, they cannot combine the two benefits; they will receive the higher of the two amounts.
How Does Delayed Retirement Affect Spousal Benefits?
If you choose to delay your Social Security benefits beyond your FRA, your benefit amount increases by approximately 8% per year until age 70.
However, this does not increase the spousal benefit. Your spouse is still limited to receiving 50% of your PIA, regardless of how much your benefit grows from delayed retirement credits.
Conclusion
Spousal Social Security benefits can provide crucial financial support for married and divorced individuals with lower work histories. Understanding the eligibility requirements and timing is key to maximizing the benefits available to you and your spouse.
While waiting until full retirement age ensures the highest benefit, your spouse can begin claiming as early as 62, though with a reduced amount. By coordinating your Social Security benefits as a couple, you can make the most of your retirement income.
FAQs
1. Can my spouse collect spousal benefits while I’m still working?
No, your spouse cannot collect spousal benefits until you have claimed your own Social Security benefits.
2. Will claiming spousal benefits reduce my own Social Security benefits?
No, your spouse claiming spousal benefits does not reduce the amount you will receive from Social Security.
3. Can my spouse receive spousal benefits if they have not worked?
Yes, your spouse can still receive spousal benefits even if they have not worked or have insufficient work history, as long as you have claimed your benefits.
4. What happens to spousal benefits if I pass away?
If you pass away, your spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits, which could be up to 100% of your benefit. Survivor benefits differ from spousal benefits and often provide a higher benefit amount.
5. Can a divorced spouse collect spousal benefits on my record?
Yes, as long as you were married for at least 10 years, are both at least 62 years old, and the divorced spouse is not remarried, they can claim spousal benefits.
References
- Social Security Administration. “Benefits for Spouses.” SSA.gov.
- AARP. “Collecting Social Security Benefits As A Spouse.” AARP.org.
- Northwestern Mutual. “When Can My Spouse Collect Half of My Social Security?” NorthwesternMutual.com.
