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 ...

Spousal Social Security benefits can be complex, but understanding them can help maximize your retirement income.

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.

That said, you will be able to apply for Social Security benefits based on your own earnings record starting as early as age 62. Then, when your higher-earning spouse applies for Social Security ...

SSA’s rules state that current and former spouses are entitled to Social Security spousal benefits up to 50% of the working partner’s retirement benefits if they wait until FRA.

Spousal benefits allow you to claim up to 50% of your spouse's Social Security benefit. Divorce doesn't prevent you from ...

3 Social Security Spousal Benefit Rules You Must Know Before You Apply. Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool . Wed, Aug 28, 2024, 3:18 AM 3 min read.

The rules for determining which benefits an individual is eligible for are complicated. In the case of spousal benefits: Not all married people can get a spousal benefit. For example, if you are ...

Full retirement age (FRA): If you start receiving survivor benefits at your full retirement age or later, you may receive 100% of your ex-spouse’s benefit amount. Between age 60 and FRA: If you ...

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.