Overview
- Spousal benefits are capped at 50% of the worker’s full‑retirement‑age amount, so a $2,000 FRA benefit yields a $1,000 spousal payment.
- Currently married applicants cannot receive a spousal benefit until the worker spouse files for Social Security.
- Eligible divorced spouses may claim on an ex‑spouse’s record without waiting for the ex to file.
- You can first claim at 62, but filing before full retirement age reduces the spousal amount.
- Delaying past full retirement age does not increase a spousal benefit, even though delaying can raise a worker’s own retirement benefit.