Social Security is a critical source of income for millions of Americans, particularly as they approach retirement. While many are aware of their own retirement benefits, there’s an often-overlooked aspect of Social Security: spousal benefits. In 2025, understanding how these benefits work can help ensure that you and your spouse receive the most financial support possible from Social Security. Here’s a breakdown of the essential spousal benefits you should know about.

What Are Spousal Benefits?

Spousal benefits refer to the financial support that one spouse may receive based on the other spouse’s work history. Even if one spouse has little or no work history, they might still qualify for spousal benefits as long as their spouse has earned enough credits through Social Security. This benefit allows a spouse to receive up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s benefit amount, depending on when they start claiming.

Eligibility for Spousal Benefits

To qualify for spousal benefits, a few key requirements must be met:

• Marriage Duration: You must have been married for at least one year to qualify for spousal benefits.
• Age: You can begin receiving spousal benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start claiming before your full retirement age (FRA), which is around 66 or 67 depending on your birth year, your benefit amount will be reduced.
• Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): The spousal benefit is based on your spouse’s PIA, which is the amount they would receive at their full retirement age.

When Can You Start Receiving Spousal Benefits?

The timing of when to start receiving Social Security spousal benefits is crucial, as it affects the amount you will receive.

• Early Retirement: If you start taking spousal benefits at age 62, your monthly benefit will be reduced. For example, at age 62, you might receive about 32.5% of your spouse’s PIA.
• Full Retirement Age (FRA): At your FRA, you can claim the full 50% of your spouse’s benefit amount. For most people, FRA is between 66 and 67, depending on their year of birth.
• Delayed Retirement: If you wait until after your FRA to start claiming benefits, your spousal benefit can increase by a certain percentage each year, up to age 70.

How Much Can You Receive in Spousal Benefits?

The maximum spousal benefit is typically 50% of your spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at their FRA. However, this amount is reduced if you claim benefits before your FRA. For example, if your spouse’s PIA at full retirement age is $2,000, you could receive $1,000 per month if you claim at FRA. But if you claim at age 62, your benefit might be reduced to around $750 per month.

What Happens If Your Spouse Passes Away?

If your spouse passes away, you may be entitled to a survivor benefit, which can sometimes be higher than the spousal benefit. As a surviving spouse, you can receive 100% of your deceased spouse’s benefit amount if you claim the survivor benefit at your FRA or later.

If you are under FRA, you will receive a reduced benefit. It’s important to note that survivor benefits can sometimes be higher than the spousal benefits available when both spouses are alive, so it’s essential to compare the two options when making decisions about when to claim.

Divorce and Spousal Benefits

Even if you are divorced, you may still qualify for spousal benefits under certain conditions:

• Marriage Duration: You must have been married for at least 10 years.
• Unmarried Status: You must be unmarried when you apply for spousal benefits.
• Age: You must be at least 62 years old, and your ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security benefits.

If these conditions are met, you can receive spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record, even if they have remarried. However, you will not be entitled to survivor benefits unless your ex-spouse has passed away.

Coordination Between Personal and Spousal Benefits

You can’t collect both your own Social Security benefits and spousal benefits at the same time, but you can apply for whichever benefit is higher. If your own benefit is less than 50% of your spouse’s benefit, you may opt to receive spousal benefits. This can be a strategic way to maximize your Social Security income.

Key Takeaways for Spousal Benefits in 2025

1. Start at the Right Time: Wait until your full retirement age (or even longer) to receive the maximum spousal benefits.
2. Evaluate Survivor Benefits: If your spouse passes away, you may be eligible for higher survivor benefits.
3. Divorce Does Not Disqualify You: Even if you’re divorced, you may qualify for spousal benefits if the marriage lasted for 10 years or more.
4. Tax Implications: Social Security benefits, including spousal benefits, may be subject to taxes depending on your income level.

By understanding these spousal benefits and how they work, you can make more informed decisions that will help ensure a more comfortable and secure retirement for both you and your spouse.

For more information on Social Security spousal benefits, visit SSA.gov.

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