Most Couples Overlook the Social Security Spousal Rule Worth Up to 50% of a Partner’s Benefit
Millions of married and divorced Americans quietly miss out on a Social Security benefit that requires zero work credits to claim. Knowing the rules before you file could reshape your entire retirement income picture.
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Social Security plays a key role in a lot of people’s retirement. But you may be surprised to learn that not everyone qualifies for Social Security by working and paying into the system.
That may be the typical path to Social Security. But there’s another way to earn benefits all married (and divorced) seniors should know about.
Understand how Social Security spousal benefits work
Typically, to qualify for Social Security in retirement, you need to earn 40 work credits in your lifetime. Work credits are earned by making money and paying taxes on your wages. And you can earn a maximum of four work credits per year.
The value of a Social Security work credit can change over time. In 2026, $1,890 in earnings gives you one Social Security work credit. That number is likely to keep increasing with wage growth.
If you reach retirement age and don’t have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security benefits, or any work credits for that matter, you may be in luck if you’re married to someone who’s eligible. The same may hold true even if you’re divorced.
Social Security pays spousal benefits to eligible spouses and former spouses that are worth up to 50% of the primary beneficiary’s full retirement age (FRA) benefit. So if you’re married and your spouse is entitled to $2,500 a month from Social Security, you may be eligible for up to $1,250 a month in spousal benefits.
But the rules of claiming those benefits can be a big complex, so here are some high-level points to keep in mind:
- If you’re married, you can’t claim spousal benefits from Social Security until your spouse signs up.
- If you’re divorced, you can commonly claim spousal benefits before your ex-spouse files for Social Security.
- If you’re divorced and claim spousal benefits on an ex’s record, it won’t impact their current spouse’s ability to get benefits.
- An ex-spouse cannot deny you Social Security spousal benefits.
- If you claim spousal benefits prior to your FRA, they’ll be reduced.
- There are no delayed retirement credits for pushing off a spousal benefit claim past FRA, so once your FRA arrives, it pays to file right away.
The latter is important, because when you’re claiming Social Security based on your own earnings record, your benefits grow 8% for each year you delay your filing past FRA, up until age 70. But you don’t get the same credits for waiting on spousal benefits.
Make sure you know what options you have
Social Security spousal benefits can be a lifeline for people who don’t have enough of a work history to qualify for Social Security on their own. And even if you are entitled to your own benefit, if it’s smaller than 50% of your spouse’s FRA benefit, Social Security will pay you a spousal benefit instead.
It’s important to read up on how Social Security’s spousal benefits work whether you’re still married or not. They may end up playing a big role in your retirement, so it’s crucial to know what to expect out of them.
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Maurie Backman has more than a decade of experience writing about financial topics, including retirement, investing, Social Security, and real estate. Her work has appeared on sites that include The Motley Fool, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, and Kiplinger.
Prior to becoming a full-time financial writer, Maurie worked in the financial industry trading distressed debt. She then changed course and spent a few years designing electronic toys. After a stint in content marketing and UX, she shifted back into writing and has since covered everything from the housing market to estate planning to Medicare.
When she's not busy writing, Maurie can be found hiking, walking her dogs, driving her kids to their various sports practices and games, and curling up with a good book. She cooks on occasion and bakes way too often.
