Social Security spousal benefits allow eligible spouses to claim benefits based on their partner's work history.
Social Security spousal benefits allow eligible spouses, aged 62 or above, or those caring for a child under 16, to claim benefits based on their partner's work history if they haven't contributed to the program themselves. Benefits are capped at half the worker's benefit at full retirement age, and cannot increase if the worker delays claiming past full retirement age. The best strategy to claim spousal benefits often varies by personal financial situations and generally involves waiting until reaching the normal retirement age (65-67). Exceptions can be made if longevity is a concern or if the spouse cares for a qualifying child. In the case of a higher-earning spouse's death, the surviving spouse can claim the higher of their own benefit or that of the deceased spouse.