Social Security Spousal Benefits: What You Need to Know

Did you know that billions in Social Security benefits go unclaimed every year? According to Forbes Magazine, as much as $10 billion in benefits go unclaimed annually, and a significant portion of that comes from unclaimed spousal benefits.

What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits?

Let’s start with a common scenario. Bob worked as an engineer his entire life and will receive $2,500 in monthly Social Security benefits. His wife Sally worked hard raising their family but didn’t work outside the home long enough to qualify for her own Social Security benefits. Many people in Sally’s situation assume they won’t receive any Social Security benefits at all.

That’s a costly mistake.

Even without her own work history, Sally could receive half of Bob’s benefit – $1,250 per month – as a spousal benefit when she reaches full retirement age. That’s $15,000 per year you could be leaving on the table by not understanding this crucial benefit.

Who Qualifies for Spousal Benefits?

To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, you need to meet some basic requirements:

• You must be at least 62 years old
• Your spouse must have already filed for their own Social Security benefits
• You must be currently married or divorced but previously married for at least 10 years

How Much Can You Receive in Spousal Social Security Benefits?

The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit. However, this amount can be reduced if you claim before your full retirement age. Here’s what you need to know:

• At full retirement age: 50% of spouse’s benefit
• Before full retirement age: Permanently reduced benefit
• After full retirement age: No additional increase

The Divorced Spouse Advantage

Here’s something that surprises many people: if you’ve been married for at least 10 years and then divorced, you might still be eligible for spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record. The key requirements are:

• The marriage lasted at least 10 years
• You haven’t remarried before age 60
• Your ex-spouse qualifies for Social Security benefits

You can even claim these benefits without your ex-spouse’s knowledge or cooperation.

Real-World Example of Smart Spousal Benefit Planning

Consider this real case study from our files (with names changed for privacy): A client came in who had been divorced after 23 years of marriage. Her ex-husband had remarried, and his current spouse was receiving spousal benefits. Our client didn’t realize she could claim a spousal benefit of $955 per month while letting her own benefit grow until age 70, when it would be worth $2,200 per month.

This strategy more than doubled her monthly payment – all because she understood her options and planned accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming Spousal Social Security Benefits

Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when claiming spousal benefits:

1. Assuming You Don’t Qualify

Many people think if they haven’t worked enough outside the home, they get no benefits

• Example: A spouse who worked at home can still get 50% of their working spouse’s benefit, even with no work history
• If your spouse would receive $2,500 for their primary benefit, that’s $1,250 monthly you could be missing

2. Waiting Too Long to Claim Benefits

Unlike regular Social Security benefits, spousal benefits do NOT grow after full retirement age

• Example: If you wait from age 66 to 70 thinking your $1,250 monthly spousal benefit will grow, you’ve just left $60,000 on the table ($1,250 × 12 months × 4 years) with nothing to show for it.
• There’s no advantage to delaying spousal benefits past your full retirement age

3. Not Understanding Divorced Spouse Rights

Many divorced people don’t realize they might qualify for spousal benefits

• You can claim on an ex-spouse’s record if:
  • The marriage lasted at least 10 years
  • You haven’t remarried before age 60
• You can even claim without your ex-spouse’s knowledge or cooperation

4. Missing Out on Strategic Timing

Strategy is important when you are making any Social Security Benefit claim.

• Example: A divorced woman claimed $955 in spousal benefits while letting her own benefit grow
• At age 70, she switched to her own benefit of $2,200
• This strategy more than doubled her monthly payment

5. Relying on Social Security Administration for Advice

SSA employees are legally forbidden from giving personalized claiming advice

• According to Forbes even their frequently asked questions can be wrong
• Nearly 70% of applicants don’t maximize their benefits when working directly with SSA

6. Not Coordinating Benefits With Your Spouse

Failing to consider how your claiming decision affects your spouse’s options

• Not understanding how other income sources (like pensions) interact with spousal benefits
• Making decisions in isolation without considering the complete financial picture

7. Missing Deadline Windows

• Not understanding when you need to claim
• Waiting too long thinking benefits will grow
• Not realizing you might need to claim spousal benefits when your spouse claims their benefits

8. Not Getting Professional Analysis

With 2,728 rules in the Social Security handbook and hundreds of thousands of rules about those rules, making the right decision about spousal benefits isn’t simple. That’s why it’s crucial to get professional help before making any decisions about claiming Social Security benefits.

At B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions, we offer a free, customized Social Security analysis that can help you:

• Determine the exact timing to maximize your benefits
• Understand how to boost your spousal benefits
• Avoid paying unnecessary taxes on your benefits
• Prevent your Medicare premiums from skyrocketing

This analysis, which some firms charge hundreds of dollars for, is available to you at no cost. Simply call 1-800-000-0000 to schedule yours today.

The Bottom Line

Don’t become one of the millions of Americans leaving money on the table. Understanding your spousal benefits could mean the difference between struggling and living comfortably in retirement. With proper planning, you could secure thousands of additional dollars in benefits each year.

Remember, you’ve contributed to the Social Security system your entire working life. These aren’t handouts – they’re benefits you’ve earned. Make sure you get every dollar you deserve by understanding your spousal benefit options and making informed decisions about when and how to claim them.

Want to learn more about maximizing your Social Security benefits? Call B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions at 800.637.1031 or your free Social Security analysis. Don’t leave your retirement benefits to chance – get expert help to make the most of what you’ve earned.