Claire Boyte-White is the lead writer for NapkinFinance.com, co-author of I Am Net Worthy, and an Investopedia contributor. Claire's expertise lies in corporate finance & accounting, mutual funds ...

You are at least 62 years old, or you are caring for a child who is under age 16 or disabled. If you are divorced, you can receive Social Security spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s ...

For example, if your Social Security retirement benefit is expected to be $2,000 per month at full retirement age, the highest possible spousal benefit based on your work record would be $1,000.

Claiming age impacts ... claiming Social Security to ensure you make the most of the program's benefits. But one feature of the program that might not get enough attention is spousal benefits.

Spousal benefits, in contrast, max out at 50% of what your spouse (or ex-spouse) collects at full retirement age. If that amount is $2,400, then your spousal benefit could be wort ...

Key Points Social Security benefits are based on your earning history. Your age when you claim benefits impacts whether you ...

Many people view Social Security as a plan that forces individuals to save for their retirement. That view is mostly correct. Employers must contribute to the retirement savings of their workers, too.

This free calculator estimates how ... payments,” Pinto said. If your ex-spouse is not yet taking Social Security benefits after you reach the age of 62 years and you have been divorced for ...

1. How your claiming age impacts your benefit Just like when applying for personal retirement benefits from Social Security, when you claim spousal benefits can have a big impact on the size of ...

A lot of time is spent discussing rules and strategies about claiming Social ... Security.) Oftentimes it makes sense for the high-earning spouse to wait until age 70 to increase survivor benefits.