Retirement Social Security

7 Must-Know Social Security Facts If You're Married

Understanding these key Social Security rules can help you and your spouse make the most of your benefits in retirement.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Nov. 6, 2025

If you and your spouse are getting close to retirement, it's important to understand how Social Security really works for married couples. Knowing the rules can help you avoid costly money mistakes that might reduce your income down the road.

The program offers multiple benefits beyond your own work record — including spousal, survivor, and even divorced-spouse benefits. With so many options, things can become confusing quickly, and the choices you make could impact your benefits for decades.

Here are seven must-know Social Security facts every married couple should understand before claiming.

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You may qualify for spousal benefits even if one spouse didn't earn much

Even if one spouse didn't earn much income, they may still qualify for a spousal benefit worth up to half of their partner's full retirement amount.

To be eligible, you and your spouse must have been married for at least one year, your spouse must have already been receiving their own benefits, and you must be at least 62 years old. This option can provide a valuable income stream for spouses who spent time out of the workforce raising children or managing the household.

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Divorced? You could still qualify

If your marriage lasted at least 10 years and you haven't remarried, you may qualify for benefits based on your ex-spouse's record. The Social Security Administration treats divorced spouses the same as married ones in these cases.

You must be at least 62 years old, and your former spouse must be eligible to receive benefits, even if they haven't started collecting.

Your spouse or ex-spouse's record won't be affected if you claim Social Security on them

Many people may worry that claiming benefits on a spouse's or ex-spouse's record will reduce what that person receives — but it won't.

Your decision to claim spousal benefits doesn't change the amount your spouse or ex-spouse receives from Social Security. The SSA calculates your benefit independently using its records as a reference. That means both parties can collect what they're entitled to without reducing the other's payment.

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Nonworking spouses can still receive benefits

You don't need a long work history to qualify for Social Security. If you haven't earned enough credits on your own record, you could still receive benefits based on your spouse's work history, according to the Social Security Administration.

If your spouse qualifies, you may begin receiving spousal benefits as early as age 62 — or earlier if you're caring for a child under 16 or a child with a disability. At full retirement age, you can receive up to half of your spouse's benefit. This provision ensures that even nonworking spouses have financial protection in retirement.

You won't be able to collect both your retirement benefit and your spousal benefit

If you qualify for both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, you won't receive both in full. AARP explains that Social Security pays you whichever benefit is higher — either your own or your spousal amount.

Understanding this rule helps couples plan which spouse should claim first to maximize household income.

Your family may be entitled to benefits in certain situations

When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your spouse and children may also qualify for payments. The SSA allows spouses to receive benefits if they're 62 or older, or at any age if they're caring for a child under 16 or a child with a disability.

Unmarried children may also qualify if they're under 18, still in secondary school, or became disabled before age 22. These family benefits can add significant financial support for households managing caregiving or health challenges.

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Survivor benefits can help after a loss

When one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse may be eligible to receive survivor benefits based on the deceased's earnings record, according to AARP.

Widows and widowers can begin collecting as early as age 60 — or age 50 if they have a disability — though benefits increase if delayed until full retirement age. In some cases, surviving spouses caring for a child under 16 can collect at any age.

Bottom line

Understanding how Social Security benefits work for married couples can make a big difference in your financial future. Each decision — from when you claim to whether you qualify for spousal or survivor benefits — can impact your income for decades.

As you refine your retirement plan, take time to review your joint claiming strategy. Coordinating benefits and timing with your spouse can help ensure you both enjoy the financial security you've earned.

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