Social Security isn’t just about providing retirement income to millions of workers; it also includes various provisions to support their families. One of these crucial components is Social Security spousal benefits, a program designed to help couples where one spouse had a lower income or did not work for wages. While this benefit is widely available, many people misunderstand how it works or how much they might receive.
Here are five key things everyone—couples and even divorced spouses—should know about Social Security spousal benefits in 2025:
1. What Are Spousal Benefits, and How Much Can You Get?
Spousal benefits allow one spouse to receive up to 50% of the other spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA). The PIA is the benefit the higher-earning spouse would receive if they retired at their full retirement age (FRA).
For example, if one spouse’s Social Security benefit is $2,000 per month at full retirement age, the other spouse could receive up to $1,000 in spousal benefits. This ensures that households with uneven incomes have additional financial support during retirement.
In 2025, the maximum Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $4,018 per month, making the highest possible spousal benefit around $2,009.
2. The Average Spousal Benefit May Surprise You
According to recent data, the average spousal benefit is approximately $890 per month, or about $10,670 annually. While this amount might not seem substantial compared to the average retired worker’s benefit of $1,905 per month, it can significantly improve the financial security of families relying on a single primary income earner.
This benefit is especially important for families where one spouse worked part-time or stayed at home to care for children or elderly parents.
3. Timing Matters: Early Retirement Reduces Spousal Benefits
Spouses can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but claiming early reduces the monthly amount. The reduction is calculated as follows:
- For the first 36 months claimed before FRA, benefits are reduced by 25/36 of 1% per month.
- For additional months, the reduction is 5/12 of 1% per month.
For example, if your FRA is 67 and you claim spousal benefits at 62, the monthly amount will be 35% lower than what you would receive at FRA.
Unlike standard retirement benefits, there’s no advantage to delaying spousal benefits beyond FRA. Once you reach that age, your spousal benefit will not increase further.
4. Divorced? You May Still Qualify for Spousal Benefits
Even divorced spouses can benefit from Social Security, provided certain conditions are met:
- The marriage must have lasted at least 10 years.
- You must be at least 62 years old and unmarried.
- If the divorce occurred over two years ago, you can claim benefits regardless of whether your ex-spouse has started collecting their benefits.
This provision ensures that individuals who devoted years to a marriage still have access to financial support after divorce.
5. Estimating Your Future Spousal Benefits
Want to know how much you could receive? The easiest way is to access your Social Security statement online at www.ssa.gov. By creating an account, you can view your entire earnings record and an estimate of your benefits.
To estimate a spousal benefit, compare your projected benefit with 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit. This comparison can help you plan your finances better and make informed decisions about when to claim benefits.
Why Spousal Benefits Matter
Social Security spousal benefits are a lifeline for many couples and divorced individuals. They provide financial stability to households where income disparities exist, ensuring that both partners have some level of security in retirement.
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but understanding how spousal benefits work is an important step toward maximizing your Social Security income. By exploring your options early, you can make strategic decisions that will enhance your financial well-being in retirement.
Take Action Today
Whether you’re married or divorced, start by reviewing your Social Security statement and discussing your retirement plans with your spouse or a financial advisor. By understanding these benefits now, you can secure a more comfortable and stress-free retirement.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
