Though most Americans are familiar with Social Security benefits, many may not know that they could also be eligible to receive payments as a spouse. It’s a chance for seniors to bring in more money, particularly if the other person gets paid with a higher check every month. Wondering if this might be a worthwhile option for you? Below you’ll find out what experts have to say about Social Security spousal benefits, from common misconceptions to when to file. Plus, learn eligibility requirements and how to claim your benefits.
What are Social Security spousal benefits?
Retirement benefits aren’t just available to workers as they enter retirement—spouses have the ability to claim them too. These benefits include payments based on their current or former spouse’s work history. (Divorced spouses may qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they haven’t remarried since then.)
The good news for the retiree? Their own Social Security benefits aren’t impacted by these additional benefits.
“A common misconception is that if one spouse claims a spousal benefit, it reduces the benefit the working spouse receives. That’s not true,” says Michael Liner, founder and head disability attorney at Liner Legal. “Spousal benefits are separate entitlements—your spouse’s check is not cut or reduced when you claim based on their record.”
Who is eligible for spousal benefits?
To qualify for spousal benefits, you must meet specific criteria beyond your current or former marriage to the person. This includes being at least 62 years of age or having a child under the age of 16 who receives Social Security disability benefits.
Something to know: It doesn’t matter whether you worked outside the home or not. You can receive spousal benefits regardless of your own work history.
However, if you’re eligible for SS benefits based on your earnings and those of a spouse, you’ll only receive one.
“If that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, then we pay the retirement benefit,” explains the Social Security Administration (SSA) on the website. “Otherwise we pay the spousal benefit.”
When should you claim Social Security spousal benefits?
Not sure if it’s worthwhile claiming the benefits? Experts say it’s a good idea to evaluate your overall financial situation.
“Spousal benefits can make sense if your own retirement benefit is lower than what you’d receive based on your spouse’s record,” advises Liner. “They’re especially valuable for people who spent time out of the workforce or had lower lifetime earnings. But timing matters—claiming before full retirement age locks in a permanently reduced amount.”
Just like regular Social Security benefits, you can begin claiming as early as the age of 62. But it’s usually better to wait until the full retirement age of 67 to ensure you collect the maximum and aren’t hit with penalties.
“However, there is no potential for increasing this benefit by delaying the claim to age 70,” says Jeffrey Stouffer, finance expert for JustAnswer and certified financial planner. “Based on this, Full Retirement Age offers the most possible amount.”
Another thing to keep in mind: Collecting spousal benefits may impact other benefits you receive.
“Spousal benefits don’t reduce Medicare eligibility, but they can affect need-based programs like Medicaid or SSI,” cautions Liner. “State tax rules vary, so it’s worth checking locally.”
How spousal benefits affect taxes
For those who collect spousal benefits, it’s important to know what this extra money means during tax season. They are taxed the same as other retirement benefits, and depending on your income or that of your spouse, this could be as much as 85 percent. Social Security is considered income when filing taxes, so it raises the amount that is subjected to taxation.
Thanks to the passing of the Big Beautiful Bill, however, you can still get a break. Anyone who is at least 65 can get an extra $6,000 deduction when filing their taxes as long as their adjusted gross income is under $150,000 as a joint filer or $75,000 as a single filer.
How to apply for Social Security spousal benefits
If you decide to claim Social Security spousal benefits once you’re eligible, you’ll likely be relieved to know the process is simple and straightforward. You will need documents like your marriage certificate and spouse’s Social Security number to do so though, says Liner.
Then you can apply for benefits by phone, online or at your local Social Security Administration office. To streamline the process, however, it’s advised to do so online if possible.
“In light of current events, establishing a MySocialSecurity account on the Social Security website is the preferred method to start the account and file the claim,” adds Stouffer.
If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up here. You will need to create an ID.me or Login.gov account to do so, then you can connect it to Social Security services.
Once the SSA determines that you’re eligible, you’ll start receiving payments!
