By: Maria Jameson-Mendivil

For those planning on supplementing their retirement income with Social Security income, there is a unique situation you and/or your spouse may be interested in: The Social Security Spousal Benefit. This benefit can be a game changer for spouses with low or no reported income.

What it is

When a person turns 62, the Social Security Administration allows them to begin receiving the Social Security benefits they have accrued at a reduced rate or wait until their full retirement age to take the total amount. But many people don’t realize that they offer another choice as well: You may take an amount equal to half of your spouse’s accrued benefits rather than your own if that half is larger than what you have earned. Taking this benefit will not reduce your spouse’s benefit. 

Who qualifies

Whether or not your spouse is living, you are eligible for this option, and you may opt to receive a reduced amount beginning at 62 or the entire 50% at your full retirement age. You must have been married for at least ten years. All other Social Security rules, like the Earnings Test, still apply. If you choose to begin taking this spousal benefit, you will not lose it if you become divorced. You may also qualify for this benefit even if you were not married for your spouse’s entire earning lifetime. If you are divorced from a spouse you were married to for at least ten years, you may be eligible for this same benefit without impacting their benefits and without them needing to be informed.

Example situations 

Paul and Joan were married for twelve years before their divorce years, and Joan has never worked outside the home. When Joan reaches her full retirement age, she may take 50% of Paul’s Social Security benefit, and Paul will still receive his full benefit when he retires. Paul never has to know if and when Joan begins drawing her 50% benefit.

John’s wife, Emma, worked full-time her whole career, while John only had part-time jobs after an injury he received as a young man. Emma passed away before John became eligible for Social Security Income. John is still eligible to draw the 50% spousal benefit based on the amount Emma would have been eligible for. 

Elaine and George have been married for 25 years. At age 62, Elaine chooses to draw 50% of George’s Social Security benefit. But the time Elaine reaches full retirement age at 67 her benefit is now greater than 50% of George’s. Elaine may stop taking her 50% spousal benefit and begin taking her own.

Need Personalized Advice?

The Social Security Spousal Benefit can be a complex situation impacted by divorce, earnings, retirement dates, and other factors. If this article leaves you with questions about your specific case, our retirement coaches can help you navigate these waters. Fill out this form, and one of our scheduling coordinators will reach out to you as soon as possible.