You can claim Social Security based on your spouse's earnings record, but only if you meet specific age and marital requirements
Spousal Social Security benefits let you receive a payment based on your spouse's work history rather than your own. You do not need to have worked, or to have worked much, to receive this. The payment comes from Social Security, and your spouse's own benefit is not reduced because you claim on their record.
The basic rules: you must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must be at least 62 and already receiving Social Security benefits — or at least 62 and have filed for benefits even if they have not started collecting yet. If your spouse is younger than 62, you cannot claim spousal benefits yet, even if you are older. If you are divorced, you may be able to claim on an ex-spouse's record under different rules.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must be at least 62 and have filed for Social Security (they do not have to be collecting yet).
- If you claim before your full retirement age, your spousal benefit will be permanently reduced — the reduction is steeper than it is for your own retirement benefit.
- You apply in person at a Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov using a my Social Security account.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, your birth certificate, and your marriage certificate.
- Processing takes about two weeks if you apply in person or by phone, or up to six weeks if you apply online.
How much you receive as a spousal beneficiary
Your spousal benefit is calculated as a percentage of your spouse's full retirement age benefit amount. The exact percentage depends on your age when you claim. If you claim at your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), you receive up to 50 percent of what your spouse gets at their full retirement age. If you claim before your full retirement age, the percentage is lower.
The reduction for claiming early is substantial. If you claim at 62 — the earliest possible age — your spousal benefit is roughly 32 to 35 percent of your spouse's full retirement age benefit, not 50 percent. The exact reduction depends on your birth year. If you wait until 70 to claim, you do not receive any additional increase beyond the 50 percent maximum, unlike your own retirement benefit which grows if you delay.
Your spouse's benefit amount does not change because you claim on their record. If your spouse is receiving $2,000 per month, they continue to receive $2,000 per month whether or not you claim spousal benefits.
Age requirements and when you can start
You must be at least 62 years old to claim spousal benefits. Your spouse must also be at least 62. Additionally, your spouse must have already filed for Social Security benefits — they do not have to be collecting payments yet, but they must have submitted their application to Social Security.
If your spouse has not yet filed, you cannot claim spousal benefits even if both of you are over 62. Your spouse must go to Social Security first and file for their own retirement benefit. Once they file, you can then apply for spousal benefits based on their record.
There is no upper age limit. You can claim spousal benefits at 62, 70, or any age in between, as long as your spouse has filed and is at least 62.
Documents you need to bring or submit
Social Security requires specific documents to process your claim. Have these ready before you contact Social Security:
- Your Social Security number
- Your birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Your marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency — a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card
- Your spouse's Social Security number
- A photo ID issued by a government agency
If you were married before, bring divorce decrees or annulment papers. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a document showing the legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You do not need to print or mail these documents if you apply online or by phone. Social Security will tell you which documents they need you to submit and how to send them — usually by mail or by uploading them to your my Social Security account.
How to apply: three routes
In person at a Social Security office: Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk in during business hours or call ahead to schedule an appointment. Bring all required documents. Processing typically takes about two weeks. This is the fastest route if you have all documents ready.
By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Have your documents available when you call. A representative will ask questions about your work history, your spouse's work history, and your citizenship. They will tell you which documents to mail in. Processing takes about two weeks from the date you submit your documents.
Online through my Social Security: Go to ssa.gov and create or log into your my Social Security account. Select "Apply for Retirement Benefits" and follow the form. You will upload documents directly. This route takes longer — up to six weeks — because Social Security processes online applications in batches. Use this option only if you cannot visit an office or call.
What happens after you apply
Social Security will send you a notice by mail within two to six weeks (depending on how you applied) telling you whether you have been approved, denied, or whether they need more information. If approved, the notice will show your monthly benefit amount and your start date.
Payments begin the month after you are approved, or the month you requested if you applied before you turned 62. Your first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up. If you chose direct deposit, the first payment usually arrives within three to five business days of your approval date.
If Social Security asks for more information, respond within 10 days. If you miss the deadline, your application may be denied and you will have to apply again.
Claiming spousal benefits if you are divorced
You can claim spousal benefits on an ex-spouse's record if you were married for at least 10 years, you are at least 62 years old, and you are not currently married. Your ex-spouse does not have to be receiving benefits yet — they only need to be at least 62. You do not need your ex-spouse's permission to claim.
If you remarry, you lose the right to claim on your ex-spouse's record. If your ex-spouse remarries, you can still claim on their record — their remarriage does not affect your benefit.
The application process is the same as for current spouses. Bring your divorce decree along with the other required documents. If you have been divorced more than once and were married at least 10 years to more than one ex-spouse, you can claim on the record of the ex-spouse whose benefit would be highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim spousal benefits if my spouse has not started collecting yet?
Yes, as long as your spouse has filed for Social Security and is at least 62 years old. Your spouse does not have to be receiving payments — they only need to have submitted their application. Once they file, you can apply for spousal benefits on their record.
Will my spouse's benefit go down if I claim spousal benefits?
No. Your spouse's monthly payment stays the same whether or not you claim on their record. You receive a separate payment based on a percentage of their full retirement age benefit amount.
What if I also worked and have my own Social Security benefit?
Social Security pays you the higher of the two amounts — your own retirement benefit or your spousal benefit — not both. If your own benefit is higher, you receive only that. If the spousal benefit is higher, you receive only that. You cannot collect both at the same time.
Can I change my mind after I claim spousal benefits?
Yes, but only within 12 months of your first payment. You can withdraw your application and reapply later at a higher age to receive a larger benefit. If you withdraw, you must repay all benefits you received. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw.
What if my spouse dies after I start receiving spousal benefits?
Your spousal benefit stops, but you may be able to receive survivor benefits instead. Contact Social Security immediately to report your spouse's death. Survivor benefits are calculated differently and may be higher or lower than your spousal benefit.