Social Security spousal benefit eligibility

You have to be married for a minimum of one year before deciding to apply for Social Security benefits. As you well know, spousal benefits are based on a spouse’s work record (which is usually also the primary earner), so the spouse must be a minimum of 62 years old.

Also, you need to have been married for at least one year, and you shouldn’t receive a higher benefit that’s based on your own work record already. You need to know this: if you already have a work history, then you might be eligible for personal benefits.

In this case, you are bound to receive your own personal benefit, especially if it’s higher than your spouse’s. For example, if you are already eligible for $2,000 as a personal benefit and $1,000 as a spousal benefit, Social Security might choose for you the higher amount.