From The Motley Fool · Trevor Jennewine · · 1m 20s
Spousal Social Security Benefits: 3 Things Retired Couples Need to Know in 2026
Retired couples can claim spousal Social Security benefits on their partner's record in 2026 with specific rules.
In brief
Retired couples can claim spousal Social Security benefits on their partner's record in 2026 with specific rules. Retired couples can claim spousal Social Security benefits on their partner's work record in 2026 if married at least one year, the spouse is 62+, and the partner receives retirement benefits. Originally…
Spouses can claim Social Security on partner's work record
Spouses can claim Social Security benefits based on their retired partner's earnings record if married at least one year, the spouse is 62+, and the partner receives retirement benefits.
Spousal benefits maximized at full retirement age
Spousal benefits equal up to 50% of the primary beneficiary's PIA when claiming at full retirement age (67) for those born in 1960 or later.
Divorced spouses can collect ex-partner's Social Security benefits
Divorced spouses can collect Social Security benefits on their ex-partner's work record if divorced at least two years, married at least ten years, and not remarried.
Spousal benefits decrease if claimed early
Spousal benefits drop to 32.5% of the primary beneficiary's PIA if claimed at age 62, compared to 50% at full retirement age.
Ex-partner's benefit remains unchanged
Ex-partner's Social Security benefit does not change or get notified if divorced spouse claims benefits on their ex-partner's record.
The takeaway
Retired couples can claim spousal Social Security benefits on their partner's work record in 2026 if married at least one year, the spouse is 62+, and the partner receives retirement benefits.
