You can receive benefits based on your spouse's work record, even if you never worked or worked very little

Social Security spousal benefits let you draw money based on your spouse's earnings record instead of your own. You must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must already be receiving Social Security or be at least 62 themselves. The amount you receive depends on your age when you start, your spouse's benefit amount, and whether you were born before or after January 2, 1954 — a date that determines which rules explore to you.

You claim spousal benefits through the same Social Security Administration office where your spouse filed, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to start the process by phone. You will need documents proving your age, citizenship or legal residency, and your marriage. The whole process typically takes several weeks to a few months.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 62 years old and your spouse must be receiving Social Security or be at least 62 to claim spousal benefits.
  • If you were born before January 2, 1954, you may be able to claim spousal benefits while letting your own benefit grow; if born after, you will receive a combined amount instead.
  • The maximum spousal benefit is roughly half of what your spouse receives at their full retirement age, but the exact amount depends on your age when you claim.
  • You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, your marriage certificate, and your spouse's Social Security number.
  • You can start the process by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office.

Who can claim spousal benefits and when

You are may be able to access for spousal benefits if you are at least 62 years old and your spouse is either already receiving Social Security or is at least 62 years old themselves. Your spouse does not have to be retired — they just need to have reached the age when they can claim. If your spouse has not yet claimed their own benefits, you can still file for spousal benefits once they reach 62, even if they choose to wait longer to claim their own.

If you are divorced, you can claim on your ex-spouse's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, you are at least 62, and you are not currently married. You do not need your ex-spouse's permission, and claiming on their record does not reduce the amount they receive.

If you are caring for your spouse's child who is under 16, you may be able to claim spousal benefits even if you are younger than 62. This is called a "caretaker benefit," and it applies only while the child is in your care and under the age limit.

How your age affects the amount you receive

The age you claim spousal benefits directly changes how much money you get each month. If you claim at 62, you receive roughly 32 to 35 percent of your spouse's full retirement age benefit. If you wait until your full retirement age — which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year — you receive roughly 50 percent of their benefit. Waiting longer than your full retirement age does not increase a spousal benefit the way it increases your own benefit.

Your spouse's full retirement age benefit is the amount they would receive if they claimed at their full retirement age, not the amount they actually receive. So if your spouse claimed early and receives a reduced amount, your spousal benefit is still calculated from the higher full retirement age amount. This is an important distinction because it means your benefit may actually be larger than you expect.

If you were born on or after January 2, 1954, the rules changed. You cannot claim spousal benefits alone — instead, you receive a combined benefit based on both your own work record and your spouse's record. The Social Security Administration calculates this automatically and pays you the larger of the two amounts. If you were born before that date, you have more flexibility to claim spousal benefits while letting your own benefit grow.

Documents you need to bring or send

To claim spousal benefits, you will need to provide proof of several things. Bring or send your original birth certificate or a certified copy, your Social Security card, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency — a passport, naturalization papers, or a permanent resident card all work. You will also need your marriage certificate and your spouse's Social Security number.

If you have been divorced and are claiming on an ex-spouse's record, bring your divorce decree as well. If you have changed your name since your marriage, bring a document showing the legal name change, such as a divorce decree or court order. The Social Security Administration may ask for additional documents depending on your situation, so it is worth calling ahead to ask what they need.

You do not need to gather original documents before you call or visit — the Social Security Administration can tell you exactly which ones to bring or mail in. Many people find it easier to start by phone and ask what to prepare.

How to file: phone, online, or in person

You can start a spousal benefits claim in three ways. The fastest is usually by phone: call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will ask you questions about your work history, your spouse's information, and your citizenship, then tell you what documents to mail in or bring to an office.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices now require an appointment. Calling ahead to schedule saves time.

Online filing is available through your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You can create an account with your email, Social Security number, and a few security questions. Once logged in, you can start a spousal benefits claim and upload documents directly. Not all situations can be handled online — if your case is complex, the system will direct you to call or visit an office instead.

What happens after you file

After you submit your claim, the Social Security Administration reviews your documents and your work history. This process typically takes two to four weeks if all your documents are in order. If something is missing or unclear, they will call or mail you to ask for more information. Responding quickly keeps your claim moving.

Once approved, your first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up. Payments are usually issued on the third of each month, though the exact date depends on your birth date. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming your benefit amount and payment date.

If your claim is denied, you will receive a written explanation of why. You have the right to ask for reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people hire a Social Security representative to help with appeals — they charge a fee only if you win, and the fee is capped by law.

How spousal benefits interact with your own Social Security

If you have your own work record, you may receive benefits based on both your own earnings and your spouse's earnings. The Social Security Administration calculates both amounts and pays you the larger one, or a combination, depending on your birth date and when you claim.

If you were born before January 2, 1954, you can claim spousal benefits at your full retirement age while letting your own benefit grow. This strategy, called "restricted process," lets you receive spousal money now and switch to a larger personal benefit later. If you were born after that date, you cannot use this strategy — you receive a combined benefit instead.

Claiming spousal benefits before your full retirement age reduces the amount you receive, but it also reduces the amount your own benefit will be if you claim later. The reduction is permanent, so it is worth understanding the long-term cost before you claim early.

How working affects your spousal benefits

If you claim spousal benefits before your full retirement age and you continue to work, your benefits may be reduced. In 2024, Social Security reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain limit — that limit changes each year. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no reduction, no matter how much you earn.

This earnings limit applies only to you, not to your spouse. Your spouse's benefits are not affected by how much you work or earn. Similarly, if your spouse continues to work, it does not change your spousal benefit amount.

If your benefit is reduced because of work, the reduction is temporary. Once you reach your full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit to account for the months you did not receive full payments, and your benefit increases to make up for some of the reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim spousal benefits if my spouse has not claimed yet?

Yes, if your spouse is at least 62 years old. You can claim spousal benefits even if your spouse has not filed for their own benefits yet. Your spouse does not need to claim first or give permission. However, if your spouse has not reached 62, you must wait until they do before you can claim on their record.

What is the maximum spousal benefit I can receive?

The maximum is roughly 50 percent of your spouse's full retirement age benefit amount, but only if you claim at your own full retirement age. If you claim at 62, the amount is roughly 32 to 35 percent. The exact percentage depends on your birth date and your spouse's birth date.

Does claiming spousal benefits reduce my spouse's benefit?

No. Your spouse's benefit amount does not change because you claim on their record. You are drawing from the same Social Security trust fund, but your claim does not lower what they receive.

Can I switch from spousal benefits to my own benefit later?

If you were born before January 2, 1954, yes — you can claim spousal benefits first and switch to your own benefit at a later date, which will be larger because you waited. If you were born after that date, you receive a combined benefit and cannot switch between the two.

What if my spouse dies after I start receiving spousal benefits?

You become may be able to access for survivor benefits, which may be higher than the spousal benefit you were receiving. Contact Social Security right away to report your spouse's death and update your claim. You will need a death certificate.