Claiming spousal benefits can be a great way to maximize a higher-earning spouse's earnings record.

Keep these points in mind so you don't make a big mistake.

Retirement can be challenging, even more so for stay-at-home parents who perform unpaid caregiving work while their spouses work outside the home. In August 2025, retired workers received an average ...

How do Social Security spousal benefits work? My wife, who’s approaching age 62, has had a few small-paying jobs over the years, but spent most of her time as a homemaker. What is she entitled to?

How do Social Security spousal benefits work? My wife, who’s approaching age 62, has had a few small-paying jobs over the years, but spent most of her time as a homemaker. What is she entitled to?

Married couples may find that knowing these rules results in a higher benefit than expected.

Millions of Americans rely on Social Security for most or all of their retirement income. Unfortunately, not everyone has a sufficient career earnings record to qualify for a worthwhile benefit.

According to the Social Security Administration, a spouse can only begin collecting retirement-based spousal benefits at age 62 or older. The only exception is if the spouse is caring for a qualifying ...

How do survivor benefits work for divorced spouses? How to collect Social Security on a deceased ex-spouse Advisors’ role in helping clients claim survivor benefits Social Security rules allow a ...