To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, it's not enough to be over the minimum age of 62 while married to a worker ...

For millions of retirees, Social Security is a crucial income source. Yet, many Americans unknowingly leave money on the table by overlooking critical rules and claiming strategies.

Key PointsSocial Security spousal benefits can be a big source of retirement income.The rules of spousal benefits are often misunderstood.It's important to know when you're eligible for spousal ...

One of the most important parts of the program, especially for married couples, is Social Security spousal benefits.

But the rules regarding this benefit for low- or non-earning spouses can make calculating when each member of a couple should claim Social Security a lot more complicated.

If you were married for at least 10 years and you’ve been divorced for at least two years, you can claim your ex’s Social Security. The same spousal rules apply: Your maximum benefit will be ...

The spousal Social Security benefits rules for same-sex spouses are the same as the opposite-sex spouses. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, ...

If you exceed the 36 month-point in the context of filing early, Social Security will reduce your spousal benefit by about 5/12 of 1% per month. So here's how that might shake out.

If your spouse delays benefits, that also won't increase your spousal Social Security. In any case, the maximum payment is 50% of your spouse's FRA benefit amount. 3.

Social Security FAQ: Spousal Benefits Contributor Mark Miller reviews the rules for spousal benefits after the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 takes effect later this month.

Data source: Social Security Administration. Calculations by author. For each month before your full retirement age that you claim your spousal benefit, that benefit is reduced by 25/36 of a ...