spousal benefits
Like he said, it’s really not that complicated!
We often re-post informational articles from Tom Margenau, a Social Security veteran with decades of experience in the detail trenches. His style of explaining the nuances of Social Security’s rulebook is not only educational but also entertaining. His recent post…
Ask Rusty – When Should My Wife File for Spouse Benefits?
Dear Rusty: My wife is 66 (born February 1960) and started taking Social Security retirement benefits just over one year ago at age 65. She was a stay-at-home Mom for most of her adult life. I turned 62 this past March, filed for benefits,…
Clearing up Confusion About Survivor Benefits and the Restricted Application
Spousal benefits are often confused with survivor benefits, and both areas of the Social Security rulebook are well-documented with specific guidelines. There was, however, a “loophole” that savvy retirement planners could exploit to improve a couple’s combined benefits through a…
Strategic Thinking for Married Couples to Enhance Benefits
Financial planning for retirement is important for everyone, but for married couples, the timing of claiming Social Security benefits can take on added importance. Delaying claims to take advantage of delayed retirement credits is, of course, one step toward achieving…
Social Security Myths, and Misunderstandings
Social Security Myths are Pervasive In our efforts to explain Social Security to those who ask questions, it is often necessary for our Social Security Advisors to provide information contrary to the questioner’s understanding of how Social Security works. Some folks who write us possess what…
Spousal Benefits and the Impact of Changes in Marital Status
As if Social Security rules were not complex enough, there’s a segment of the rulebook that makes the basic spousal benefit segment even more complicated. Some of the intricacies could reduce benefits in certain circumstances, and others could eliminate them.…
Ask Rusty – My Wife Believes She Can Get a Spouse Benefit While I’m Still Alive; Can She?
Dear Rusty: A friend of my wife told her, and she believes, she could receive a Social Security benefit based on my SS benefit that I’m currently receiving while I’m still alive. I told her she could only receive spouse…
Retirement Security for Couples
We encourage Americans to focus on saving for their co-called “golden years.” Saving for retirement is, of course, important, but equally important is how Social Security income fits into each couple’s retirement future. After all, statistics show that, savings aside,…
Average Spousal Benefit in 2026
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%…
Are You Eligible for a Spousal Benefit?
Even if you never worked, if you are married or were married at least 10 years, you could qualify for benefits based on your spouse’s record. You can get a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement…