Social Security Spousal Benefit

What Is a Spousal Benefit in Social Security?

If your spouse has been the primary breadwinner and is getting ready to retire, you might wonder what your Social Security options are—especially if you didn’t work enough to qualify for your own retirement benefit. Good news: even if you don’t qualify for your own benefit, you may still be eligible to receive a spousal benefit based on your spouse’s work history.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Spousal Benefit?

A spousal benefit allows you to receive up to 50% of your spouse’s Social Security benefit—specifically, 50% of their Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). That’s the amount they would receive if they retired at their full retirement age (FRA).

To qualify:

• You must be married for at least one year (technically nine months in most cases, but one year is often used as a safe rule).

• Your spouse must be eligible and have filed for Social Security retirement benefits.

• You must be at least 62 or caring for a qualifying child.

How Spousal Benefits Are Calculated

Your benefit is based on your spouse’s PIA, not what they actually receive. That means even if your spouse files early and receives a reduced benefit, your spousal benefit is still calculated based on what they would have received at full retirement age.

For Example:

• Your spouse’s PIA is $2,000/month (what they’d receive at FRA).

• They file early at 62 and their benefit is reduced to $1,400/month.

• You wait until your FRA (67) to claim your spousal benefit.

You will receive $1,000/month (50% of $2,000), not 50% of the reduced $1,400.

What If You File Early?

If you file before your own FRA, your spousal benefit will be reduced, just like your own retirement benefit would be. And the reduction on a spousal benefit is slightly larger than the reduction on your own benefit.

So if you want the full 50%, you need to wait until your own full retirement age.

Key Takeaways

• Spousal benefits are based on your spouse’s full retirement benefit (PIA), not their reduced early benefit.

• You must wait until your FRA to get the full 50%.

• If you file early, your spousal benefit will be reduced.

• Your spouse must have filed for you to claim a spousal benefit.

Examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Actual benefits will vary depending on earnings history and filing age. Social Security rules and benefit amounts are subject to change by legislative action. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for current information. We are not associated with the Social Security Administration. Consult with a Social Security expert.

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