Spousal Social Security Benefits: 3 Things Retired Couples Need to Know in 2026
Retired couples that lack basic knowledge about the Social Security program could make financial mistakes.
Social Security spousal benefits can be complex for retired couples. A recent Nationwide Retirement Institute survey highlights key points to understand in 2026. Spouses can claim benefits based on their partner's earnings record, even if the spouse has no work history. The higher benefit will be awarded automatically if the spouse is eligible for both their own retirement benefits and spousal benefits.
The exact amount depends on the claim age and the primary insurance amount (PIA) of the retired partner. The PIA represents the benefit received if claiming at full retirement age (FRA), which is age 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Spousal benefits equal up to 50% of the PIA, but claiming earlier results in a smaller payout, being most severe at age 62.
Unlike retired workers, spouses do not benefit from delayed retirement credits, with spousal benefits maximizing at FRA. Divorced spouses can collect on their ex-partner's work record without affecting the ex-partner's benefit or notifying them.
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