A federal law passed in 2015 eliminated two strategies couples formerly used to maximize their Social Security benefits. Spouses born after Jan. 1, 1954, can no longer claim spousal benefits and later switch to collecting benefits based on their own work record.

Are spousal benefits still available?

You may be eligible if you’re married, formerly married, divorced, or widowed. You can collect spousal benefits as early as age 62, but in most cases, the benefits are reduced permanently if you start collecting early.

How long do Social Security spousal benefits last?

/ (You must be at least age 62 to begin receiving benefits.) A spousal benefit is reduced 25/36 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months. If the number of months exceeds 36, then the benefit is further reduced 5/12 of one percent per month.

Can a former spouse still receive Social Security spousal benefits?

An ex-spouse may be eligible for spousal benefits even if the former spouse hasn’t retired yet. The calculation gets a bit more complicated if you are eligible to receive benefits from a government pension or foreign employer that is not covered by Social Security. In that case, you may still be eligible, but the amount will be reduced.

How are spouses Social Security benefits calculated when they retire?

If you take the benefits based on your spouse’s work history and earnings, you will get 50% of the amount of your spouse’s Social Security benefit. This amount is calculated their full retirement age, or FRA. FRA depends on when you were born.

How many Social Security survivor credits can a spouse earn?

How Your Spouse Earns Social Security Survivors Benefits A worker can earn up to four credits each year . In 2021, for example, your spouse can earn one credit for each $1,470 of wages or self-employment income.

Can you get Social Security based on your spouses work history?

You can take Social Security income based on your own work history and earnings. Or, you can collect a spousal benefit instead. If you take the benefits based on your spouse’s work history and earnings, you will get 50% of the amount of your spouse’s Social Security benefit.