What You Need to Know Before You Start
You can receive Social Security based on your spouse's work record if you are at least 62 years old and married for at least one year. The amount you receive depends on your spouse's earnings history and the age at which you claim — claiming earlier means a smaller monthly payment for life. You do not need your spouse to have already claimed; in some cases you can claim on their record even if they have not yet filed.
The process involves contacting Social Security directly, either by phone, in person, or online. There is no separate "spouse process" form — you use the same process as anyone claiming Social Security, but you tell them you want to claim as a spouse rather than on your own record. Social Security will review both your record and your spouse's to determine which gives you the larger benefit.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 62 years old and married for at least one year to claim spousal benefits, though some exceptions exist for parents of your spouse's children.
- Your full spousal benefit is typically 32.5% of your spouse's primary insurance amount, but this drops if you claim before your full retirement age.
- You can claim on your spouse's record even if they have not yet claimed themselves, as long as they are at least 62 years old.
- Social Security will automatically pay you whichever is higher: your own benefit or your spousal benefit, so you do not choose between them.
- Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to start the process; you will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and marriage certificate.
Age Requirements and When You Can Claim
The earliest age to claim spousal benefits is 62. However, if you claim before your full retirement age — which ranges from 65 to 67 depending on your birth year — your monthly payment will be permanently reduced. The reduction is roughly 32% to 35% if you claim at 62, and the percentage improves the closer you get to your full retirement age.
If you wait until your full retirement age to claim, you receive your full spousal benefit with no reduction. If you wait past your full retirement age, your benefit does not increase further as a spouse (unlike your own benefit, which grows until age 70). This means the financial advantage of waiting past full retirement age as a spouse is smaller than waiting on your own record.
There is one exception: if you are caring for your spouse's child who is under 16, you can claim at any age, though your benefit will still be reduced if you are under full retirement age.
Documents You Will Need
Social Security will ask for several documents to process your claim. Have these ready before you contact them:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Your marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
- Your spouse's Social Security number
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
- A government-issued photo ID
If you have been divorced, you will also need your divorce decree. If your spouse has passed away and you are claiming survivor benefits instead, bring their death certificate. You do not need to bring all these documents to your first contact — Social Security will tell you which ones to submit and how — but having them organized beforehand speeds up the process.
How to Contact Social Security and File Your Claim
You have three main ways to start the process: by phone, online, or in person at your local Social Security office.
By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). Wait times are typically shorter early in the week and early in the day. Tell the representative you want to claim spousal benefits. They will ask questions about your work history, your spouse's work history, and your citizenship status. The call usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks.
Online: Visit ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. From your account dashboard, look for "explore for benefits" and select "Retirement benefits." The online form walks you through the same questions as the phone process. You can save your progress and return later. Online claims typically take one to two weeks to process after submission.
In person: Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 for the address and hours. Bring your documents and be prepared to wait. In-person appointments are sometimes faster if you call ahead to schedule, though walk-ins are also accepted. Processing time is the same as phone or online.
What Happens After You File
After you submit your claim, Social Security will review your work record and your spouse's work record. They will calculate what you would receive based on your own earnings and what you would receive as a spouse, then pay you the higher amount. This is automatic — you do not choose which benefit to take.
Social Security typically makes a decision within two to four weeks. You will receive a letter explaining the decision and your monthly payment amount. If your claim is approved, your first payment arrives within three to five business days of the approval letter, though the timing depends on your bank. If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail.
Your payment is deposited directly to your bank account each month on the same date. You can change your payment method or address anytime through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
How Your Benefit Amount Is Calculated
Your spousal benefit is based on your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the benefit they would receive at their full retirement age. The full spousal benefit is 32.5% of that amount. However, if you claim before your full retirement age, the percentage is lower.
Social Security also looks at your own work record. If you have earned enough credits to receive your own benefit, they compare the two amounts and pay you whichever is higher. This means you might receive your own benefit rather than a spousal benefit, depending on your earnings history.
The table below shows approximate reductions if you claim before your full retirement age. The exact percentage depends on your birth year:
| Age at Claim | Approximate % of Full Spousal Benefit |
|---|---|
| 62 | 32% to 35% |
| 65 | 39% to 42% |
| 66 | 43% to 46% |
| Full retirement age (67 for most people born after 1960) | 32.5% |
These percentages are examples only. Your actual benefit depends on your birth year and your spouse's earnings record. Social Security will give you the exact amount before you claim.
Special Situations: Divorced, Widowed, or Same-Sex Spouses
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 they do not need to know you are claiming. The process is the same as for current spouses — tell Social Security you want to claim on a former spouse's record and provide your divorce decree.
If your spouse has passed away, you may be able to claim survivor benefits instead of spousal benefits. Survivor benefits can be claimed at age 60 (or 50 if you are disabled), which is younger than the 62 minimum for spousal benefits. Bring your spouse's death certificate when you file. The rules and payment amounts are different from spousal benefits, so ask Social Security which option applies to your situation.
Same-sex spouses have the same rights as opposite-sex spouses. You can claim spousal or survivor benefits using the same process and rules. Bring your marriage certificate, which must be valid in the state where you were married.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim spousal benefits if my spouse has not claimed yet?
Yes, as long as your spouse is at least 62 years old. Your spouse does not have to have filed for their own benefits first. However, if your spouse is under 62, you must wait until they reach 62 before you can claim on their record, even if you are already 62.
What happens to my spousal benefit if my spouse dies?
Your spousal benefit stops, but you may become may be able to access for survivor benefits, which are typically higher. Contact Social Security when ready if your spouse passes away. Bring the death certificate and ask about survivor benefits — you may not need to file a new claim.
Does my spouse's benefit amount change if I claim on their record?
No. Your spouse's benefit is not affected by your claim. They receive their full amount, and you receive your spousal amount based on their record. The two payments are separate.
Can I change my mind after I claim?
Yes, but only within limits. If you are within 12 months of filing, you can withdraw your claim and reapply later at a higher age for a larger benefit. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw. You can also request a one-time increase if you have not yet reached full retirement age, though this is rarely used.
What if I am still working when I claim spousal benefits?
If you claim before your full retirement age and earn more than $23,400 per year (2024 limit, adjusted yearly), Social Security will reduce your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above that amount. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. Tell Social Security about your work income when you file.