Understanding spousal benefits under Social Security is crucial for couples planning their retirement. Many retirees often face confusion regarding the eligibility and benefits associated with spousal claims. Here are four essential points retirees should know about Social Security spousal benefits in 2026.
1. Spouses Can Claim Social Security on Their Partner’s Work Record
Social Security provides retirement benefits not just for workers but also for their spouses. Even if a spouse has no work history, they can still claim benefits based on the earnings record of their retired partner, given certain conditions:
- The couple must have been married for at least one year.
- The spouse must be at least 62 years of age.
- The partner must already be receiving retirement benefits.
In situations where spouses qualify for both their own retired-worker benefits and spousal benefits, the higher benefit will automatically be awarded.
2. Spouses Can Maximize Their Benefit by Claiming at Full Retirement Age
The amount of Social Security income that spouses can receive will depend on their claim age and the primary insurance amount (PIA) of their retired partner. The PIA represents the benefit a retired worker will get if they start Social Security at their full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later.
Spousal benefits can go up to 50% of the retired worker’s PIA. To achieve this maximum payout, the spouse must delay their claim until they reach FRA. If claimed before this age, the payout will be reduced. The following table illustrates the spousal benefit as a percentage of the retired worker’s PIA for those born in 1960 or later:
| Age | Spousal Social Security Benefit |
|---|---|
| 62 | 32.5% |
| 63 | 35% |
| 64 | 37.5% |
| 65 | 41.7% |
| 66 | 45.8% |
| 67 | 50% |
While retired workers can earn delayed retirement credits by claiming benefits after FRA, spouses do not have this option; their benefits are maximized at FRA.
3. Divorced Spouses Can Collect Social Security Benefits on Their Ex-Partner’s Work Record
Divorced individuals can also claim Social Security benefits based on their ex-partner’s earnings record, subject to specific conditions:
- The divorced spouse must be at least 62 years old.
- The marriage must have lasted at least ten years.
- The divorced spouse must not have remarried.
- The spouse must have been divorced for at least two years.
It’s important to note that the usual requirement for spouses to wait until their partner is receiving benefits does not apply to divorced spouses. They can claim benefits even if the ex-partner has remarried. Additionally, claiming benefits on an ex-partner’s record does not affect that person’s payout, nor will they be notified if their ex-spouse files for benefits.
4. Spouses Cannot Collect a Spousal Benefit While Delaying Their Own Retired-Worker Benefit
In cases where a spouse is eligible for both retired-worker benefits and spousal benefits, they must choose one. A spouse cannot delay their retired-worker benefit to earn delayed retirement credits while simultaneously collecting a spousal benefit. When applying for Social Security, the application covers both benefits, and the spouse will receive the larger payout. However, this rule only applies to retirement benefits and does not extend to survivors benefits, which can be collected while delaying retired-worker benefits.
Being informed about the intricacies of Social Security spousal benefits can save retirees from potential financial pitfalls. For continuous updates and insights on the stock market, visit Stock Market News. Additionally, consider exploring effective strategies for managing your stock portfolio and retirement investments by checking out Stock Portfolio Management.
