How spousal benefits work
- You can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit if you claim at your own full retirement age.
- Your spouse must have already applied for their own benefit.
- If you claim early, the spousal benefit is reduced: 25/36 of 1% per month for the first 36 months, and 5/12 of 1% for each additional month.
- Unlike your own benefit, the spousal benefit does not grow if you wait past full retirement age.
- If you qualify for your own benefit too, Social Security pays your own first, plus any extra spousal amount to bring it up to the higher figure.
Divorced? You may still qualify
If you were married at least 10 years, are unmarried now, and are 62 or older, you may get benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, without affecting their benefit.
Estimate only, not financial advice. Rules can change. For your exact benefits, sign in to my Social Security at SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Frequently asked questions
Can my wife get half of my Social Security?
Yes, up to 50% of your full retirement benefit if she claims at her full retirement age, and less if she claims earlier.
Does claiming spousal benefits reduce my spouse’s check?
No. Spousal benefits don’t reduce the worker’s own benefit.
Can I get spousal benefits from my ex-husband?
Usually yes, if you were married 10+ years, are currently unmarried, and are at least 62.
Sources
- Social Security Administration – Benefits for spouses (ssa.gov)
- SSA – Effect of early retirement on spouse’s benefits
Last reviewed: November 2026 · By the GoldenYearsTools team at XplainedDaily · How we build our tools