Everything Married Couples Need to Know About Social Security

Did you know that you can claim Social Security benefits even if you did not work? According to an article in USA Today, if you are at least 62 years old, you can collect spousal support just as long as your husband or wife is receiving benefits. The amount you receive will be based on the benefits your spouse is eligible to receive at their full retirement age. If you hold off on claiming spousal benefits until your full retirement age, you can receive up to half the amount of your spouse’s benefit.

It’s important to note that not everyone will want to claim spousal support. That’s because the Social Security Administration (SSA) compares the amount of retirement benefits you would receive based on your own work record against the spousal benefits you could receive based on your husband’s or wife’s benefits. You will receive the higher of the two amounts.

Additionally, you could be eligible to claim spousal Social Security benefits even if you are divorced, provided you were married for at least 10 years.

The Seniors Trust is committed to improving the lives of America’s retirees through the passage of The Social Security Expansion Act. It will give retirees an immediate benefits increase of about $200 a month, a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and increased minimum benefits. This bill will also ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.