Spousal Social Security Benefits

Do I Claim My SS Benefit or My Spousal Benefit?

Written by John Register, May 2025

An often-overlooked Social Security (SS) retirement benefit is the Spousal Benefit.   Competent and thorough financial planning requires an understanding of how and when this benefit works.  It may significantly increase the retirement income of a spouse who either did not work or whose SS benefits are more than 50% lower than their spouse’s benefit. 

How Do I Qualify

·         Marriage: You must be legally married to someone who is eligible for Social Security benefits. This includes marriages that are at least one year long.

·         You can qualify as early as age 62, but the amount you receive will depend on your age at the time of claiming.  The earlier you claim, the lower the benefit.

·         Your Spouse’s Benefits:  Your spouse must be receiving their SS retirement or disability benefits at the time you claim a Spousal benefit.

Benefit Amounts

Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement amount (FRA), which is the benefit they would receive at their full retirement age. Here’s how it breaks down:

·         Claiming Early: Your spousal benefit will be reduced if you claim it before your full retirement age (FRA).

·         Full Retirement Age (FRA): Your FRA is age 67 if you were born in 1960 or later.  Your FRA may lower if your were born before 1960.

How to Apply for Spousal Benefits

You have the following options:

·         Online: Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website

·         By Phone: Call the SSA office nearest to you to schedule an appointment

Considerations When Choosing to Claim

You should consider the following:

·         Your Age: By claiming before your FRA your benefits will be reduced.  For example, claiming at age 62 may reduce your benefit to around 35% of your spouse’s FRA benefit. 

·         Your Own Benefits:  You will want to evaluate which is higher and potentially switch to the higher benefit later if you are eligible for your own SS benefits.

·         Survivor Benefits: You may be eligible for survivor benefits if your spouse passes away which can be higher than spousal benefits. 

As with most financial decisions, there are many complex factors to consider when making a lifetime decision.  I encourage you to know the facts and work with a financial professional who can help you discover the best option for you.

References:

https://www.ssa.gov/retirement; accessed April 2025