Spousal Benefit — Spouse benefit
A spousal benefit is up to half of your spouse's Social Security retirement amount, paid to you if it is more than your own benefit.
Official source: ssa.gov
A spousal benefit is money from Social Security. It can be up to half of what your spouse gets for their retirement. You get this money if it is more than what you would get from your own Social Security benefits. This helps make sure you have enough income in retirement.This benefit is for people who are married to someone getting Social Security <a href="/glossary/social-security-retirement-benefits">retirement money</a>. It also applies to people who used to be married. You might be able to get a spousal benefit even if your spouse is still working and not yet taking their own benefits. There are rules about how long you must have been married and how old you need to be.Spousal benefits matter because they can provide important financial support. They can help increase your total household income after you or your spouse stops working. This can make a big difference in being able to pay for daily needs and maintain your standard of living. It helps protect you if your own work history leads to a small Social Security payment.If you think you might be able to get a spousal benefit, you should contact the Social Security Administration. You can visit their website or call them to learn more. They can tell you exactly what you need to do to apply and what information you should have ready.
In real life
- A retiree with low earnings may collect 50% of their higher-earning spouse's benefit.
- After Maria's husband, Jose, started getting his Social Security, Maria found out she could get a larger check each month based on his work history instead of her own.
- When John retired, he learned his wife, Sarah, could claim a benefit check that was half of his amount, which was more than she would get on her own earnings.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Spousal Benefit
What is Spousal Benefit?+
A spousal benefit is up to half of your spouse's Social Security retirement amount, paid to you if it is more than your own benefit.
Who qualifies for Spousal Benefit?+
Workers who have earned enough Social Security credits, plus eligible spouses and survivors.
How do I apply for Spousal Benefit?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply. Official forms and instructions: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying6.html.
Where can I get help?+
Create a free account at ssa.gov/myaccount to check your earnings record and benefit estimate. BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener can also point you to the right Social Security program.
Source: ssa.gov