Maximize Your Retirement – How Your Spouse’s Social Security Can Increase Your Benefits!

Social Security spousal benefits are an important source of financial help for individuals whose spouses are disabled or retired. The benefits enable qualified spouses to collect up to 50% of the worker’s primary insurance amount (PIA), ensuring that those who have not earned sufficient of their own work credits can be financially secure.

To maximize this benefit, one must know its eligibility, computation process, and application process.

Who is Eligible for Spousal Benefits?

Spousal Benefits Eligibility to Existing Spouses

The below requirements should be fulfilled in order to qualify for spousal benefits:

• The worker needs to be in receipt of Social Security benefits.
• The union should have survived for a year.
• The applicant should be 62 or older or maintaining a child of 16 and under.

Divorced Spouse Eligibility

If divorced, you can apply for this benefit if you have the following criteria:

• The marriage should have lasted for at least 10 years.
• The applicant is unmarried at present.
• The applicant has attained the age of 62 years.
• The worker does not necessarily have to be on benefits, but a period of at least two years must have elapsed after the divorce.

Spousal Benefits for Disabled Workers

If the worker is disabled, a spouse or ex-spouse can get up to 75% of PIA if he or she has a disabled child at home. Family limits do apply, though, and can cut into the overall benefit amount.

How ​​are spousal benefits calculated?

Basic amount

Spousal benefits are 50% of the worker’s PIA when claimed at full benefit (FRA – Full Retirement Age). It is reduced permanently if claimed earlier than FRA.

Deductions if claimed early

If benefits are claimed earlier than your FRA, the following deductions apply:

• Within the first 36 months → reduction of 25/36% each month.
• If claimed over 36 months early → additional reduction of 5/12% each month.

Example

• If worker’s PIA = $2,000, then spousal benefit at FRA = $1,000.
• If 36 months prior to claim, there will be a 25% decrease, and the new payment will be $750.
• If 60 months prior to claim, there will be a 35% decrease, and the new payment will be $650.

Average Spousal Benefit in 2025

The January 2025 average spousal benefit was $931 per month, adjusted by a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%.

Your actual benefit level is based on the following variables:

• Age at claiming
• Spousal work record
• Optimizing benefit techniques

How ​​to Apply for Spousal Benefits?

You may apply either:

1. Online – Find the “Benefits for Spouses” page on the SSA (Social Security Administration) official website.
2. Over the Phone – Dial 1-800-772-1213.
3. In Person – Go to your local SSA office.

Required Documents

• Marriage certificate
• Social Security numbers for both spouses
• Proof of age or child custody records (if needed)

SSA’s “Spouse’s Benefit Estimates” calculator can be used to estimate payments before submitting an application.

Strategies for Maximizing Spousal Benefits

1. Postpone Your Own Retirement Benefits – If you postpone your own benefits until age 70, they can increase by as much as 8% per year while you maximize spousal benefits. 2. Claim the higher-earning spouse first – If the lower-earning spouse claims first, the higher-earning spouse can postpone their claim to maximize their benefits.
2. Know the “Deemed Filing” rule – When both benefits are applied for at the same time, the SSA will pay the maximum benefit amount automatically.

Are spousal benefits taxable?

If your overall income is above the thresholds established by the IRS, your Social Security benefits can be taxed. A few states tax Social Security benefits as well. Talk to a financial advisor to plan better.

Survivor benefits after the worker dies

If the worker passes away, the surviving spouse can receive 100% of the worker’s PIA as a survivor benefit. This takes the place of the spousal benefit and maintains financial support.

Conclusion

Social Security spousal benefits are a significant source of financial support for spouses and former spouses of retired or disabled workers. By learning about eligibility rules, benefit deductions, and application tactics, you can optimize your benefits.

Before applying, utilize the SSA benefits calculator, speak with a financial planner, and ensure that you qualify under all eligibility criteria so you receive the maximum amount of payment.

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