You can claim Social Security based on your spouse's earnings record, even if you never worked or worked very little

Spousal Social Security benefits let you draw money based on your husband's or wife's work history instead of your own. The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays you a percentage of what your spouse receives — typically 32.5% to 50% of their full benefit amount, depending on your age when you claim. You do not need to have worked to receive this; you only need to be married, at least 62 years old, and your spouse must be at least 62 and already receiving benefits (with a few exceptions for people 50 and older).

The amount you receive does not reduce what your spouse gets. Both of you can claim on the same earnings record without affecting each other's payments. However, the longer you wait to claim, the higher your monthly payment will be — but the rules about when you can claim and how much you receive are different from the rules for your own work-based benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 62 years old and married to claim spousal benefits, and your spouse must be at least 62 and already receiving Social Security (or 50 if you are caring for their child under 16).
  • Spousal benefits are typically 32.5% of your spouse's full retirement amount if you claim at 62, or up to 50% if you claim at your full retirement age.
  • You will need your spouse's Social Security number, your marriage certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to start the process.
  • You can claim in person at your local Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov, and the decision usually takes two to four weeks.
  • If you were married before, you may be able to claim on a former spouse's record if that marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are not currently married.

Who can claim spousal Social Security benefits

You must meet four conditions to claim on your spouse's record. First, you must be at least 62 years old. Second, you must be married — and that marriage must be legal in the state where you live. Third, your spouse must be at least 62 years old. Fourth, your spouse must have already filed for Social Security benefits themselves.

There are two exceptions to the rule that your spouse must already be receiving benefits. If you are 50 or older and caring for your spouse's child who is under 16, you can claim even if your spouse has not yet filed. If your spouse is at least 62 and has been divorced from you for at least two years, you can claim on their record without them filing first — but only if you are not currently married to someone else.

You cannot claim spousal benefits if you are currently receiving retirement or disability benefits on your own Social Security record, unless you were born before January 2, 1954. That older group has different rules and can sometimes claim spousal benefits while also receiving their own.

How much you will receive as a spousal beneficiary

The amount depends on two things: your spouse's full retirement benefit amount and your age when you claim. Your spouse's full retirement benefit is the amount they would receive if they claimed at their full retirement age — not the amount they actually chose to receive.

If you claim at 62, you will receive about 32.5% of your spouse's full benefit. If you claim at your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), you will receive up to 50% of their full benefit. If you claim between 62 and your full retirement age, your payment falls somewhere in between. You cannot receive more than 50% of your spouse's benefit no matter how long you wait past your full retirement age.

Example: Your spouse's full retirement benefit is $2,000 per month. If you claim at 62, you might receive about $650 per month. If you wait until your full retirement age, you could receive $1,000 per month. Your spouse's payment stays at $2,000 and does not change because you are also claiming.

Documents you need to have ready

Gather these items before you contact Social Security. You will need your spouse's Social Security number and your own. You will need an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. You will need proof of citizenship or legal residency — a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document.

You will also need proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement. If you have changed your name since marriage, bring a document showing that change — a divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. If you are claiming on a former spouse's record, bring your divorce decree showing the marriage lasted at least 10 years.

You do not need to bring all of these at once if you claim online or by phone. Social Security will tell you which ones they need and may request them later. Having them ready speeds up the process.

How to claim: three ways to start

Online at ssa.gov: Go to ssa.gov/benefits/retirement and click "Apply for Retirement Benefits." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. The online form takes about 15 minutes. You can save your progress and return later. Social Security will contact you if they need additional documents.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Tell the representative you want to claim spousal benefits. They will ask for your information and your spouse's Social Security number. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. Bring the documents listed above. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can bring a representative or family member with you if you want.

What happens after you claim

Social Security will review your claim and contact you if they need more information or documents. This review usually takes two to four weeks. They may ask you to verify your marriage, your age, your citizenship, or your spouse's current benefit amount. If you claimed online or by phone, they may mail you a form to sign and return.

Once approved, your first payment will arrive by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up. The first payment usually comes one to two months after approval. Your payment will arrive on the same day each month — typically the third, fourth, or fifth Wednesday, depending on your birth date.

If Social Security denies your claim, they will send you a letter explaining why. You have 60 days from the date on that letter to request reconsideration. You can ask for reconsideration by phone, mail, or in person at your local office.

Claiming on a former spouse's record

If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, you can claim spousal benefits on your former spouse's record. You do not need their permission, and they do not need to know. Your former spouse does not need to be receiving benefits yet if you are at least 62 and the divorce has been final for at least two years.

You cannot be currently married to claim on a former spouse's record. If you remarried and then divorced again, you can claim on either former spouse's record — whichever gives you the higher benefit — but not both at the same time.

To claim on a former spouse's record, you will need your divorce decree as proof that the marriage lasted at least 10 years. The process is the same as claiming on a current spouse's record: online, by phone, or in person. Tell Social Security you are claiming on a former spouse's record and provide their Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim spousal benefits if my spouse has not filed yet?

Not usually. Your spouse must be at least 62 and already receiving benefits. The only exceptions are if you are 50 or older and caring for their child under 16, or if you are claiming on a former spouse's record and the divorce has been final for at least two years.

Will claiming spousal benefits reduce my spouse's payment?

No. Your spouse receives their full benefit amount regardless of whether you claim on their record. Both of you can draw from the same earnings record without affecting each other's payments.

What if I also worked and have my own Social Security record?

Social Security will pay you the higher of the two amounts — either your own retirement benefit or your spousal benefit — but not both. If you were born before January 2, 1954, you may have different options and should speak with Social Security directly.

How long does it take to get approved?

The decision usually takes two to four weeks from the date you claim. Your first payment arrives one to two months after approval. If Social Security needs more documents, the timeline may be longer.

Can I change my mind after I claim?

Yes, but only within a limited time. If you claim and then change your mind within 12 months, you can withdraw your claim and reapply later. After 12 months, you cannot withdraw. If you need to change your claim type, contact Social Security to discuss your options.