Are You Claiming the Right Spousal Benefits? Many Get It Wrong

Most people trust that the Social Security Administration will guide them toward the right benefits, but spousal benefits are an area where mistakes are surprisingly common. Whether due to misinformation, timing errors, or a lack of understanding about eligibility, thousands of retirees miss out on money they’ve earned through years of work or marriage. The truth is that claiming spousal benefits isn’t as simple as filling out a form and waiting for a check. There are important rules, exceptions, and deadlines that can affect how much you receive, and many people don’t realize the long-term consequences of making the wrong move.

Understanding What Spousal Benefits Are and How They Work

Spousal benefits allow one spouse to receive a portion of the other’s Social Security retirement benefit, even if they never worked or contributed much to Social Security themselves. These benefits are based on your spouse’s earnings record and can amount to up to 50% of their full retirement benefit if you claim them at your full retirement age (FRA). While that may sound simple, it’s important to know that this 50% is only available if you wait until your own FRA—otherwise, the amount is permanently reduced. Understanding this rule is essential, especially for couples trying to plan out their financial future in retirement.

Another key factor is the rule about delayed benefits. Unlike personal retirement benefits, spousal benefits do not grow if you delay claiming past your FRA. This means there’s no advantage to waiting beyond your FRA to claim spousal benefits, so it’s important to know the optimal time. Additionally, if your own retirement benefit is higher than your spousal benefit, you will automatically receive the higher amount. This makes it important to know both figures before deciding when and how to file.

Who Qualifies for Spousal Benefits?

To qualify for spousal benefits, you must be at least 62 years old and married for at least one year to someone who is already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Many people are surprised to learn that even if they’ve never worked, they can still receive benefits based on their spouse’s work record. If you are currently married and meet these requirements, you could be entitled to monthly payments without ever having paid into Social Security yourself. Understanding this eligibility is the first step toward ensuring you don’t miss out.

What’s more, divorced individuals can also qualify under certain conditions. If your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, and you’re currently unmarried, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record. You don’t even need your ex to have filed yet—if they’re eligible and at least 62, you can still claim. Many people who meet these requirements never apply simply because they don’t realize this rule exists.

Common Mistake #1: Claiming Too Early

One of the most common mistakes is claiming spousal benefits before reaching full retirement age. While it may seem tempting to start collecting money as soon as you’re eligible at 62, this decision can lead to a permanent reduction in benefits. Instead of receiving the full 50% of your spouse’s benefit, you could end up with as little as 32.5%. That lower amount doesn’t go back up later—it stays locked in for life.

Claiming early can be especially damaging for households relying heavily on Social Security to meet basic needs. Over the years, that reduced benefit adds up to a significant loss in income. Many people make this decision based on fear or a misunderstanding of the rules, not realizing the long-term consequences. Knowing the difference that just a few years can make allows you to create a more financially sound choice.

Common Mistake #2: Misunderstanding Deemed Filing Rules

Deemed filing is a rule that catches many people off guard. If you apply for any Social Security retirement benefit before reaching your full retirement age, you’re automatically considered to be applying for both your own and your spousal benefits. This might sound convenient, but it can lead to a lower combined benefit if your own benefit is smaller than what you’d receive as a spouse. You won’t get to choose the higher benefit—you’ll be stuck with the default option.

The rules used to be more flexible for people born before 1954, but they’ve since changed and now apply across the board. Today, anyone filing before FRA has no way to separate the two benefits, which limits your ability to maximize your income. This makes it critical to wait until FRA if you want the freedom to choose the best payout. A misstep here could reduce your benefit amount for the rest of your life.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring Divorced Spouse Benefits

Many divorced individuals miss out on thousands of dollars in spousal benefits simply because they don’t know they qualify. If your marriage lasted at least 10 years and you’ve been divorced for two years or more, you can claim benefits on your ex-spouse’s record as long as you’re currently unmarried. What’s more, your ex does not need to have started collecting their benefits—only to be eligible and at least 62 years old. This rule allows many retirees to access financial support they assumed was out of reach.

Another common misconception is that claiming benefits on an ex-spouse’s record will affect their current benefits or relationships. That’s not the case—your claim is entirely separate and doesn’t impact your ex in any way. Additionally, if you qualify for benefits based on multiple ex-spouses, you can only claim one at a time, but you can choose whichever yields the higher amount. For many retirees, especially women who took time off work, this benefit can be a financial lifeline that dramatically changes their retirement outlook.

Common Mistake #4: Not Factoring In Work and the Earnings Test

If you’re planning to claim spousal benefits before your full retirement age while still working, you need to understand how the earnings test can reduce your payments. The Social Security Administration sets an annual income limit for early claimers, and if you earn above that threshold, your benefits may be temporarily withheld. In 2025, the earnings limit is $22,320, and for every $2 you earn over the limit, $1 in benefits is withheld. Many people are shocked when their checks are smaller—or stop entirely—because they didn’t factor this in.

Although the withheld money is eventually recalculated when you reach full retirement age, it doesn’t always get paid back in full. The recalculation adjusts your monthly benefit moving forward, but it’s not a lump-sum reimbursement. If you plan to continue working even part-time, it’s important to estimate your yearly income before deciding to file. By understanding how the earnings test works, you can better time your claim and avoid financial surprises that throw off your budget.

New Changes That Could Affect Your Benefits in 2025 and Beyond

Recent legislative changes are reshaping how some Americans receive their spousal benefits, particularly those affected by government pensions. The repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) through the Social Security Fairness Act means that retirees with certain public-sector pensions may now receive their full spousal benefits. Previously, these provisions significantly reduced or eliminated benefits for workers like teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Now, those reductions have been lifted, offering many a chance at higher payments they were once denied.

This change opens the door for thousands of retirees to reevaluate their benefit strategies. If you or your spouse had a government job not covered by Social Security, your benefit outlook may now be much more favorable. The SSA recommends reviewing your past letters or recalculating your projected benefits in light of the updated laws. Staying informed about legislative shifts ensures you’re not basing life-changing decisions on outdated rules.

Don’t Let Missteps Drain Your Retirement Income

Claiming the right spousal benefit can make a major difference in your retirement income, yet too many people miss out due to avoidable mistakes. Whether you’re currently married or divorced, understanding your options and timing your claim carefully can lead to higher monthly payments for life. With recent rule changes and complex eligibility requirements, it’s worth taking the time to reevaluate your strategy. Don’t rely on guesswork—do the research, use official tools, and consider speaking with a Social Security expert to make sure you’re not leaving money behind.

For More Information About Social Security Benefits: The Complete Guide to Social Security Benefits in 2025