Spousal Benefits - I

If a married or divorced woman earns a benefit that is less than 50 percent of the amount her spousal benefit would be, or if she has no benefit from her own work years, she is eligible for a spousal benefit. This benefit is generally equal to half of her husband’s (or former husband’s) worker benefit. Until recently, the spousal benefit was the most common type of benefit received by older women. 

A divorced woman is eligible for spousal benefits only if her marriage lasted at least 10 years, she remains unmarried, and is at least age 62. This benefit has no effect on the benefits of a divorced woman’s former husband or his current spouse if he remarries. If you have earned benefits through your own work history as well as through spousal eligibility, you are considered to be “dually entitled.” But this doesn’t mean you get both benefits added together. If you qualify for more than one benefit, you will receive the benefit amount that is higher.

 Survivors Benefits If your spouse dies and he worked long enough to earn a Social Security retirement benefit, then you and your young children may be eligible for “survivors” benefits. If you don’t have children under age 16, you can collect:

• A survivors benefit at your full retirement age (your husband’s full retirement
benefit);
• A reduced benefit beginning at age 60; or
• A benefit beginning at age 50 if you are disabled.