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Social Security spousal benefits can be a major source of retirement income for couples, especially when one partner earned less or spent time out of the workforce. In 2026, the core rules stay the same, but cost-of-living adjustments and earnings limits can affect final payments. These benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration and are designed to help couples share retirement income more fairly.
What Are Spousal Benefits?
Spousal benefits allow a husband or wife to receive retirement payments based on their partner’s work record instead of only their own. This is different from survivor benefits, which apply after a spouse dies. Spousal benefits apply while both spouses are living.
They are especially helpful when:
- One spouse worked fewer years
- One had lower lifetime earnings
- One focused on caregiving or home responsibilities
Who Qualifies in 2026?
To receive spousal benefits, a person generally must:
Basic Rules
- Be at least age 62
- Be legally married for at least one year
- Have a spouse who has already filed for retirement benefits
Divorced Spouses May Qualify If
- Marriage lasted 10 years or more
- They are currently unmarried
- Their ex-spouse is eligible for benefits
How Much Can a Spouse Receive?
At full retirement age (FRA), a spouse can receive up to 50% of the working spouse’s full retirement benefit (called the primary insurance amount).
| Situation | Payment Outcome |
|---|---|
| Spouse has little/no work history | Can receive up to 50% of partner’s FRA benefit |
| Spouse has own benefit | Receives higher of own benefit or spousal amount (not both added) |
If someone qualifies for both, Social Security pays their own benefit first and adds a spousal top-up if needed.
Why Full Retirement Age Matters
For most people in 2026, FRA is 67.
- Claiming at 62 = permanent reduction
- Claiming at FRA = maximum spousal amount
- Waiting past FRA = no increase for spousal benefits
Spousal benefits do not earn delayed retirement credits.
Working While Receiving Spousal Benefits
If claimed before FRA, an earnings limit applies. Earning above that limit can temporarily reduce payments.
After reaching FRA:
- No earnings limit
- Benefits are not reduced due to wages
This matters for people who ease into retirement.
How to Maximize Spousal Benefits
Couples often benefit from coordinating claims.
Helpful Strategies
- Higher earner may delay their own claim to increase the base benefit
- Lower earner may wait until FRA to avoid reductions
- Review benefit estimates before deciding
Good timing can increase total lifetime income.
Payment Schedule and Adjustments
Spousal benefits are paid monthly, usually by direct deposit. Dates depend on the beneficiary’s birth date.
Annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are applied automatically to keep up with inflation.
Quick Tips
- Check your earnings record for accuracy
- Understand FRA before claiming early
- Compare own benefit vs spousal amount
- Plan as a couple, not individually
Conclusion
Social Security spousal benefits in 2026 remain an important tool for balancing retirement income between partners. Eligibility depends on age, marriage history, and whether the higher earner has filed. Payment amounts depend heavily on timing and FRA rules. With careful planning, couples can significantly strengthen their retirement security.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Social Security rules and benefit amounts can change. Individual situations vary. Always consult official government sources or a qualified retirement advisor before making benefit decisions.