You can claim Social Security based on your spouse's earnings record even if you didn't work much yourself
Spousal Social Security benefits let you draw money based on your husband's or wife's work record instead of your own. You must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must already be collecting Social Security or be at least 62 themselves. The amount you receive is typically up to 50 percent of what your spouse gets at their full retirement age — though the exact figure depends on your age when you start and whether your spouse is still working.
You claim spousal benefits through the same Social Security Administration office where your spouse filed, or you can start the process online at ssa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The process takes about two to four weeks once you submit everything.
Key Takeaways
- You must be married and at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits, and your spouse must be at least 62 or already receiving Social Security.
- Spousal benefits are typically up to 50 percent of your spouse's full retirement age benefit amount, but claiming before your own full retirement age reduces that percentage.
- You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
- You'll need your Social Security number, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to complete your claim.
- If you're already receiving your own Social Security, you cannot also receive spousal benefits — Social Security pays whichever amount is higher.
Who qualifies for spousal benefits
To claim spousal benefits, you must meet three requirements. First, you must be at least 62 years old. Second, you must be legally married to someone who is either already collecting Social Security or is at least 62 years old themselves. Third, you must be a U.S. citizen or have been a permanent resident for at least five years.
If you are divorced, you may still 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. Your ex does not need to know you are filing, and the benefit does not reduce what your ex receives.
If your spouse is still working and has not yet claimed Social Security, you can still file for spousal benefits once you turn 62, but your spouse must be at least 62 as well. Your spouse does not have to have started collecting yet.
How much you'll receive
The maximum spousal benefit is 50 percent of what your spouse receives at their full retirement age. If your spouse gets $2,000 per month at full retirement age, your maximum spousal benefit would be $1,000 per month. However, this maximum only applies if you wait until your own full retirement age to claim.
If you claim before your full retirement age, your benefit is reduced by a percentage that depends on how many months early you file. Claiming at 62 instead of waiting until full retirement age typically results in a reduction of about 32 to 35 percent. The exact reduction varies based on your birth year.
If you are already receiving Social Security based on your own work record, Social Security will not pay you an additional spousal benefit. Instead, the agency pays whichever amount is higher — your own benefit or the spousal benefit — but not both.
Where and how to file
You have three ways to file for spousal benefits. The easiest is online at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/. You can create a my Social Security account if you don't have one, then start your claim through the website. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you can save your progress and come back later.
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number and your spouse's Social Security number ready when you call.
If you prefer to file in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator or by calling the number above. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Documents you'll need to gather
Before you file, collect these documents: your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number, an original or certified birth certificate, your marriage certificate (original or certified copy), and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. If you are filing based on a divorced spouse's record, you'll also need a certified copy of your divorce decree.
If any of your documents are not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. If you've changed your name since your marriage, bring a document showing the legal name change, such as a divorce decree or court order.
You do not need to bring originals to file online — you can upload images or PDFs. If you file by phone or in person, Social Security may ask you to mail originals or certified copies, or you may be able to show them in person at your local office.
What happens after you file
Once you submit your claim, Social Security sends you a notice within two to four weeks. If your claim is approved, you'll receive a benefit verification letter and information about when your first payment arrives. Most people receive their first payment within one to two months of approval.
Social Security deposits benefits directly into your bank account on a set schedule — usually the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. You can change your payment method or bank account information anytime through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If Social Security needs more information to process your claim, they will contact you by mail or phone. Keep your contact information current so you don't miss any requests. If your claim is denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
How spousal benefits interact with your own Social Security
If you have your own Social Security record from work, Social Security compares your own benefit amount to the spousal benefit amount and pays you whichever is higher. You cannot receive both at the same time. This rule applies even if you claim spousal benefits first and your own benefit becomes available later.
If you were born on January 2, 1954 or later, there is no way to claim only spousal benefits and delay your own benefit. Social Security will automatically enroll you in both and pay the higher amount. If you were born before January 2, 1954, you may have had the option to claim spousal benefits only, but that window has closed for most people.
Your own benefit increases by about 8 percent per year if you delay claiming past your full retirement age, up until age 70. Spousal benefits do not increase after your full retirement age, so there is no financial advantage to waiting past that point to claim spousal benefits.
What to do if your claim is denied
If Social Security denies your claim, the denial notice will explain the reason. Common reasons include not meeting the age requirement, your spouse not being old enough or not yet receiving benefits, or a problem with your marriage or citizenship documentation.
You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. You can appeal online through your my Social Security account, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. You do not need a lawyer to appeal, though you can hire one if you choose.
If you appeal, Social Security reviews your case again. If you believe new information will help, include it with your appeal. The appeals process typically takes two to four months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim spousal benefits if my spouse hasn't claimed Social Security yet?
Yes, if your spouse is at least 62 years old. Your spouse does not have to have filed for benefits themselves. However, if your spouse is under 62, you must wait until they turn 62 before you can claim spousal benefits, even if you are already 62.
Does claiming spousal benefits reduce what my spouse receives?
No. Your spouse's benefit amount does not change because you claim spousal benefits. The money comes from Social Security's overall fund, not from your spouse's benefit check.
What if I'm divorced and my ex-spouse hasn't claimed Social Security yet?
You can still file for benefits on your ex's record once you turn 62, as long as the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are not currently married. Your ex does not have to have claimed yet, and they do not need to know you filed.
Can I change my mind after I start receiving spousal benefits?
Yes, but only within 12 months of your first payment. If you withdraw your claim within that window, you can repay what you received and restart your benefits later at a higher amount. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw your claim.
How do spousal benefits work if my spouse is still working?
If your spouse is under their full retirement age and still working, their benefits may be reduced based on their earnings. However, this does not affect your spousal benefit amount. Once your spouse reaches full retirement age, their earnings no longer reduce their benefit.