Whether you’re married, divorced, or caring for a child, you may qualify for Social Security benefits through your spouse’s work record — even if you’ve never worked yourself.
Social Security allows eligible spouses to claim up to half of the primary worker’s full retirement benefit. You may qualify whether you’re currently married, divorced, or caring for a child.
We help you understand:
Who qualifies: Married at least 1 year to someone receiving Social Security benefits.
When you can claim: As early as age 62.
What to know:
Claiming before Full Retirement Age (FRA) reduces benefits
Your own work record must be lower than 50% of your spouse’s FRA benefit
Who qualifies:
Married at least 10 years
Divorced for 2+ years
Currently unmarried
What to know:
Your ex must be eligible for benefits (they don’t need to be collecting)
Claiming doesn’t affect your ex’s benefits
You can claim as early as 62
Who qualifies:
Married or divorced
Caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child
Married at least 10 years if divorced
What to know:
You may qualify regardless of age
Divorce waiting period doesn’t apply
Benefits continue as long as the child remains eligible
The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse’s FRA amount — but if you claim early, the percentage drops.
|
Age Claimed
|
Percentage Received
|
|---|---|
|
66 or 67 (FRA)
|
50%
|
|
62
|
~32.5%
|
|
CIC (any age)
|
Varies — not reduced
|
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