What Are Spousal Benefits?
If you’re the spouse of an eligible recipient, you should ask about spousal benefits. You could end up receiving a benefit greater than one you might receive on your own. The beauty of spousal benefits is that you might be entitled to payments once you reach age 62 even if you haven’t worked.
You should ask the spousal benefits question even if you’re divorced. As long as you were married at least 10 years, you could qualify for spousal benefits from your divorced spouse — even if they remarried — as long as:
- You are at least age 62
- You are unmarried
- Your ex-spouse is entitled to benefits
- Your own benefit is less than your spousal benefit
If you claim a spousal benefit from your ex-spouse at full retirement age, you’re entitled to one-half of your ex-spouse’s benefit.
