Here's How to Tell if You Qualify for Spousal Social Security Benefits

You probably know you'll get some money from Social Security in retirement, but figuring out how much isn't always straightforward. Part of it depends on factors such as your future income history, which is difficult to predict. The type of benefit you're claiming also matters. You may qualify for a retirement benefit on your own if you've worked long enough. You might also be eligible for a spousal benefit if you're married to a qualifying worker. But marriage isn't the only requirement for spousal benefits, and divorce isn't always a dealbreaker. Here are the boxes you must check if you hope to claim benefits on your spouse's or ex's work record in retirement . Image source: Getty Images. You must meet the appropriate length-of-marriage requirement The Social Security Administration has two length-of-marriage requirements for spousal benefits. The first applies to married couples. If you fall into this group, you typically must be married for a whole year before you become eligible for spousal benefits. However, if you are the parent of your spouse's child or you were eligible for Social Security or railroad benefits in the month before the month you got married, you become eligible as soon as your marriage is legal. The other length-of-marriage requirement applies to those who hope to claim benefits based on their ex's work record. These individuals must have been married to the qualifying worker for at least 10 years before divorcing. The person hoping to claim the spousal benefit also cannot have remarried, but it doesn't matter if the qualifying worker has. Your spouse must claim their retirement benefit If you meet the length-of-marriage requirement and your partner or ex has worked long enough to be eligible for a Social Security retirement benefit, you will be eligible for a spousal benefit on their work record -- but that's not the same as being entitled to one. It's possible to be eligible for a spousal benefit and still be unable to claim it. That's because for married couples, the Social Security Administration only permits you to claim a spousal benefit after your partner has begun receiving their retirement benefit. If they have not signed up yet, you must wait until they do before you can claim your spousal benefit. However, if you qualify for your own retirement benefit, you may sign up for this sooner. Those claiming based on their ex's work record may start claiming as soon as they turn 62 if their ex is already receiving their retirement benefit. But if your ex hasn't signed up yet, you must wait until you have been divorced for at least two years. Once you've checked that box, you're entitled to claim spousal benefits even if your ex has not yet applied for Social Security. Your spousal benefit must be larger than your retirement benefit Another reason you might not receive a spousal benefit, even if you're eligible for one, is if your own retirement benefit is larger. The Social Security Administration doesn't allow you...

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