If you never paid into Social Security or didn’t work long enough to qualify, you may need to rely on Social Security spousal and survivor benefits for your retirement. That also may be true for those who stopped working in order to care for their children and/or older relatives.
Even if you’ve paid into the system and qualify for Social Security based on your own work record, you might qualify for a higher benefit through your spouse or even an ex-spouse.
Depending on your situation, there are some requirements you must meet in order to qualify for spousal or survivor benefits.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How to Qualify for Social Security Spousal Benefits
Whether you’re currently married or divorced determines how you can qualify for spousal benefits.
Married
You can qualify for spousal benefits if you meet all of these requirements:
- Your spouse is already receiving retirement benefits.
- You have been married for at least one year.
- You are at least 62 years old, or you are caring for a child who is under age 16 or disabled.
Divorced
If you are divorced, you can receive Social Security spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record if you meet all of these requirements:
- You were married for more than 10 years.
- You never remarried.
- You are age 62 or older.
- Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
- The benefit that you would receive would be more than what you’d get based on your own work record.
Note: It’s not necessary for your ex to be taking his or her benefits for you to receive spousal benefits, but if he or she isn’t, there is one additional requirement to qualify for spousal benefits. In this case, you must have been divorced for at least two years.
How to Qualify for Social Security Survivor Benefits
Widowed
Spousal benefits and survivor benefits are calculated differently. If your spouse died, you could qualify for survivor benefits if:
- You were married to the deceased person for at least nine months.
- You are at least 60 years old, unless you are disabled or caring for the deceased person’s child, who is under age 16 or disabled.
Divorced
If your ex-spouse died, you could qualify for survivor benefits as well, if:
- You had been married for 10 years or more before divorcing.
- You are at least 60 years old, or age 50 if you’re totally disabled or are caring for a child from the previous marriage who is under age 16 or disabled.
Note: Unlike with spousal benefits, remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivor benefits, as long as you remarried at age 60 or later, or age 50 if you’re totally disabled.
How Much You Can Expect from Social Security Spousal Benefits
The size of your Social Security spousal benefit depends on your age, your spouse’s age, the maximum amount of your spouse's benefit and whether other benefits are available to you. The maximum amount you can claim is 50% of your spouse’s full benefit.
You might be eligible for a retirement benefit based on your own earnings history. If your retirement benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, then Social Security will pay your retirement benefit. If the spousal benefit is higher, then Social Security will pay you the spousal benefit. The good news is that Social Security will do these calculations for you.
For example, let’s say your spouse earned an average of $90,000 per year working full time for over 40 years, and you earned an average of $20,000 per year at various part-time jobs over 20 years, along with raising your children. You would take the spousal benefit because it would be higher than your retirement benefit.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you get a pension from your public-sector work that wasn’t subject to FICA taxes, Social Security will reduce the benefit you are eligible to receive as a spouse, ex-spouse or survivor. That reduction is two-thirds of your pension amount.
About Receiving Benefits Early
Full retirement age varies from 65 to 67, depending on your birth year. If you were born after 1960, your full retirement age is 67.
You can begin receiving spousal benefits as early as age 62 — and survivor benefits as early as age 60 — but you will receive a reduced benefit, according to the number of months left until you reach full retirement age.
Delaying Benefits: It’s Best Not to Wait Too Long
Some retirees delay claiming their Social Security benefits based on their own earnings record because the monthly payments will be larger for those who wait. To get your maximum benefit, you could wait until age 70 to claim. But spousal and survivor benefits work a little differently.
For spousal benefits and survivor benefits, it doesn’t pay to put off claiming past your full retirement age. Spousal benefits will never grow beyond the 50% of your spouse’s maximum benefit that you receive at your full retirement age. It’s similar with survivor benefits: You will receive 100% of your spouse’s benefit at your full retirement age, and waiting past then will not cause the benefit to grow any larger.
So, once you reach full retirement age, don’t delay claiming your spousal benefit or your survivor benefit any longer.
In general, you should pay close attention to the rules to know the right timing for you and your spouse or ex-spouse to start claiming Social Security benefits. You can maximize the benefit if you get the timing right.
Related Content
- The Impact of Social Security on Divorced Retirement Income
- How to Stop, Pay Back and Restart Social Security Payments
- Social Security Strategies to Help Widows Replace Lost Income
-
Virginia Tax-Free Weekend 2025 Is Here August 1–3: What to KnowSales Tax Three days, no sales tax. Here’s what qualifies for Virginia’s tax-free weekend.
-
Prenups and Retirement Planning: Saying "I Do" In Later LifePrenups aren't a traditional part of retirement planning, but for the growing number of over-65s getting remarried, they're an essential financial tool.
-
You Don't Have to Be Wealthy to Need a Wealth ManagerNavigating complex financial decisions is hard on your own, no matter how much money you have. A wealth manager can provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, risk management and more.
-
Despite Tariffs, These Investment Experts Are Bullish on European EquitiesEuropean equities were one of the better-performing investments during the first half of 2025. They could be a good long-term prospect for U.S. investors needing to diversify, according to these investment managers.
-
How Do You Know You Are Ready for a Gray Divorce? 15 Yes-or-No QuestionsAs people 50 and older get more gray divorces, many splits are initiated by women who want a new path. Answer these 15 questions to see if you might need to think about how you should move forward.
-
'Buy Now, Pay Later' for Everyday Spending? This Financial Pro Thinks It's Risky'Buy Now, Pay Later' apps can get you out of a jam when you need money quickly. But using them regularly for small purchases could create problems.
-
Five Things to Consider Before Rolling Your 401(k) into a Roth IRAConverting at least some of an old 401(k) to a Roth IRA can offer long-term tax benefits and retirement flexibility, especially if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket later or wish to leave a tax-free legacy.
-
From Dream Apartment to Nightmare: When Your Landlord Evicts You Through No Fault of Your OwnThis is what I suggested a tenant do to get out of her lease after her landlord's inexperience and lack of action made her rental situation unsafe. It's a legal situation called 'constructive eviction.'
-
Six Steps to Being Empowered and On Track: An Expert Financial Guide for WomenWhile most female investors feel on track with their financial goals and empowered by managing their investments, many regret not starting sooner. Here's how you can get started and take control of your financial future.
-
Selling Your Business? This Powerful Insurance Option Unlocks Multigenerational WealthPrivate placement life insurance (PPLI) offers almost unbelievable investment flexibility, estate planning and tax advantages. And it's completely legit.
