If you were a full-time caregiver during what could have been your prime earning years, and your spouse brought in the lion's share of money, it may be in your best interest to claim spousal Social Security benefits. That's because your spouse's work history puts them in line for larger Social Security checks than you're slated to receive.

Here's how to tell if you qualify for spousal Social Security benefits.

Older couple standing in their kitchen, smiling broadly at each other.

Image source: Getty Images.

Requirements to receive spousal Social Security benefits

Eligibility requirements for spousal Social Security are relatively straightforward:

  • Your spouse must be collecting retirement or disability benefits already.
  • You must be at least 62 years old. However, at 62, you're eligible for only 32.5% to 35% of your spouse's monthly benefit at full retirement age (FRA) rather than the 50% you'd be eligible for if you'd waited. There are two exceptions to this rule: If you're caring for a child who's younger than 16 or has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits based on your spouse's work record, you don't have to wait until age 62. If that describes your situation, you'll get the maximum spousal benefit of 50% of your partner's full benefit.
  • You must have been married for at least one year before qualifying unless you already share a child with your spouse. The one-year rule does not apply to couples sharing a child.
  • Due to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 decision recognizing marriage equality, you're eligible if you're in a same-sex marriage (or divorced from a same-sex partner).
  • Depending on your state's laws, you may also qualify if you're a registered domestic partner, same-sex partner in a civil union, or participant in a common-law marriage.

Percentages of the full benefit amount

Unless you qualify under one of the exceptions, you'll need to wait until your FRA to apply for spousal benefits if you want 50% of your partner's benefits. Here's how much benefits will be reduced if you make an earlier claim:

  • Age 67: You're eligible for 50.00% of your spouse's benefit.
  • Age 66: You're eligible for 45.80% of your spouse's benefit.
  • Age 65: You're eligible for 41.70% of your spouse's benefit.
  • Age 64: You're eligible for 37.50% of your spouse's benefit.
  • Age 63: You're eligible for 35% of your spouse's benefit.
  • Age 62: You're eligible for 32.5% to 35% of your spouse's benefit.

Eligibility for divorced spouses

You may be able to claim spousal benefits even if you're divorced. Here are the eligibility requirements:

  • Your ex must currently be receiving Social Security benefits.
  • You must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years and divorced for at least two years.
  • If your ex has reached retirement age and is eligible to receive benefits but has not applied, you can apply for spousal benefits if you've been divorced for at least two years.
  • You must be 62 or older.
  • If your ex has passed away, you can claim benefits as early as 60.
  • If your ex has passed away and you're disabled, you can claim benefits as early as age 50.
  • If your ex has passed away you're caring for their child (under 16 or disabled) you can begin collecting benefits at any age.

Every family is different, and spousal benefits acknowledge that one partner won't always earn as much as the other. If that's the case for you, it's good to know that you may be eligible for a larger-than-expected monthly benefit.