Spousal benefits can boost a lower-earning partner's income. Here is who qualifies and how much you can get.
How do Social Security spousal benefits work?
A spousal benefit can equal up to 50% of the higher earner's Primary Insurance Amount, the benefit at their full retirement age. To qualify you generally must be at least 62, be married at least one year, and the working spouse must have already claimed their own benefit. If your own earned benefit is larger, Social Security pays that instead, you do not get both stacked. Claiming the spousal benefit before your full retirement age permanently reduces it. Importantly, your spouse's own check is never lowered when you collect a spousal benefit.
When should a spouse claim benefits?
Timing matters. Unlike your own retirement benefit, spousal benefits do not grow with delayed retirement credits, so there is no reason to wait past your full retirement age to claim a spousal benefit. However, claiming before full retirement age reduces it, and earning your own benefit may be worth delaying if it will eventually exceed 50% of your spouse's. Couples often coordinate so the higher earner delays to 70, maximizing both the worker's benefit and the future survivor benefit. A 1-800-MEDIGAP advocate can help you map these choices alongside your Medicare timing.