Spousal Benefit
Definition
A spousal benefit allows you to receive Social Security based on your spouse's earnings record, up to 50% of their Primary Insurance Amount, if that is higher than the benefit you earned on your own record.
More Detail
To claim a spousal benefit, your spouse must be already receiving their Social Security retirement or disability benefit. You must also be at least 62 years old. Claiming a spousal benefit before your own Full Retirement Age permanently reduces the amount. If you claim at your FRA, you receive up to 50% of your spouse's PIA. A divorced spouse can claim on an ex-spouse's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
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