“I thought I was supposed to get 50% of my spouse’s Social Security benefits… why am I getting less?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. Many people are surprised—and even frustrated—when their spousal benefit ends up being less than expected. The truth is, while the idea of spousal benefits sounds straightforward, the reality is layered with rules. In fact, the Social Security system has over 2,700 of them!
Let’s break it down and demystify why that 50% figure isn’t always what you end up seeing in your monthly deposit.
First Things First: Who Qualifies for Spousal Benefits?
To be eligible for spousal benefits, you generally need to meet these basic requirements:
- You must be legally married for at least one year.
- You must be at least 62 years old.
Sounds simple, right? But there are important caveats.
If you’re caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child, you may qualify even if you’re under 62. Also, your spouse must have already filed for their own benefits. Even if your spouse is eligible, if they haven’t applied yet, you can’t collect spousal benefits based on their record.
Divorced? You May Still Qualify
If you’re divorced, you might still be eligible to claim benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record—provided:
- You were married for at least 10 years.
- You’ve been divorced for at least two years.
- You’re currently unmarried.
The good news here? Your ex doesn’t need to have filed for their benefits. Once you reach eligibility age, you can apply regardless of what they do.
How Much Can You Actually Get?
The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of what your spouse receives at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). FRA depends on your birth year, but for most people retiring today, it’s between 66 and 67.
Here’s the key: if you apply before your own FRA, your spousal benefit is reduced—often significantly.
Example: Jane and John
Jane was a full-time homemaker. Her husband John is set to receive $2,000/month at his FRA of 67. If Jane also waits until 67 to apply, she’ll receive 50% of that—$1,000/month.
But if Jane decides to claim at 62, she won’t get $1,000. She’ll get about $650, which is just 32.5% of John’s benefit—not the 50% she expected.
This is one of the biggest surprises for retirees. The 50% figure only applies if you wait until your own FRA.
What If Both Spouses Worked?
Things get trickier when both spouses have worked and are eligible for their own benefits.
Take this example:
- Karen’s own benefit at FRA is $600.
- Her husband Robert’s FRA benefit is $2,000.
Karen’s spousal benefit would be calculated by comparing 50% of Robert’s benefit ($1,000) to her own ($600). She would receive her own $600 plus a spousal top-up of $400.
But again, if she claims early, both her own benefit and the spousal top-up will be reduced.
The Bottom Line: Timing Is Everything
Here’s what to remember:
- 50% is the maximum spousal benefit—not the default.
- To receive the full 50%, you must wait until your own FRA.
- Claiming early permanently reduces your monthly benefit.
Whether you’re a homemaker or have your own Social Security record, understanding these nuances is key to maximizing your benefits.
Yes, Social Security is complicated—but that complexity also opens the door to smart, personalized planning. And that’s where we can help. There are other blog posts regarding social security.
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