Who is eligible for Social Security spousal benefits?

Spousal benefits are designed for married couples where one spouse earned considerably more throughout their working lifetime than the other. A spousal benefit can be worth up to 50% of the higher earner's full retirement benefit, and will be paid if it exceeds the spouse's own benefit.

Why isn't my wife's spousal benefit 50% of my Social Security retirement benefit?

A spousal benefit can be up to 50% of your full retirement benefit, but it can be lower if it was claimed before your spouse reached full retirement age. Or, if you waited beyond full retirement age, the spousal benefit can only be 50% of what yours would have been at full retirement age.

Can I take my Social Security and then switch to a spousal benefit?

Yes, One condition of receiving a spousal benefit is that the higher earning spouse must be collecting Social Security. If your spouse hasn't claimed their own benefit yet, you can collect Social Security on your own work record and switch to a spousal benefit (if it's higher) after they apply for their own Social Security.

Can you collect both spousal benefits and your own Social Security?

No, you can't collect both spousal benefits and your own Social Security benefit. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay whichever benefit you qualify for that results in the highest monthly payment.

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Collecting Social Security Spousal Benefits

By Matthew Frankel, CFP – Updated Feb 12, 2026 at 6:17 PM EST | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of a higher-earning spouse's full retirement benefit at FRA.
Divorced spouse benefits are independent of whether the ex is receiving their benefits.
Survivor benefits are available from age 60, offering up to 100% of the deceased's benefit.

Spousal benefits are Social Security benefits that are based on your spouse’s work record instead of your own. In some circumstances, you’re eligible for spousal benefits even if you’ve divorced.

Your Social Security retirement benefit is typically based on your 35 highest-earning years of work. But if your spouse earned significantly more or your work history is limited, you may get more money from spousal benefits. Let's explore when you qualify for spousal benefits and how Social Security calculates your payments.

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An infographic explaining the four qualifications needed to receive Social Security spousal benefits. — Image source: The Motley Fool

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Spousal benefits FAQ

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About the Author

Matt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.

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