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Average Spousal Benefit in 2026 - MSN.com
Approximately 1.9 million spouses and ex-spouses currently receive a spousal benefit, according to an article written by David Mania. A spouse receives a spousal benefit when 50% of their higher-earning spouse’s full retirement age (FRA) benefits are more than 100% of their own FRA benefit. Even a spouse who has never worked or paid into Social Security can receive a spousal benefit equal to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s FRA amount if they have reached their FRA. Like any benefit, if you take it before your FRA, it will be reduced according to age.
The average current spousal benefit is about $955 and will increase to $982 after the 2026 cost-of-living increase of 2.8% is applied. Social Security will begin mailing out letters in December informing you of the amount of your new benefit in 2026. Read the full article by David Mania by clicking here…
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