In 2025, Social Security spousal benefits are an important piece of retirement planning for many American couples. Some subtle but meaningful updates to the eligibility and application processes mean couples have to make sure they get the most for their income. Knowing and planning around these updates and core rules will save couples and households the most financially.
Who Qualifies for Spousal Benefits in 2025
For spousal benefits to be claimed in 2025, the applicant will need to be 62 years of age, as well as their spouse must be drawing Social Security benefits. Divorced couples are eligible provided their marriage was 10 years or longer, they have not remarried, there is a 2 year wait if the ex-spouse has not claimed benefits, and the divorce was not contested. A spouse claiming benefits at any age is not subject to the early-claim benefits reductions if they are caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child.
How Spousal Benefits are Calculated
For people born in 1960 or later, Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67, meaning the maximum spousal benefit is usually half of the higher earner’s PIA at FRA. Benefits claimed before FRA lead to spousal benefit reductions by 32.5% of PIA at age 62. Notable, spousal benefits will not accrue delayed credits past FRA, although crediting will enhance future survivor benefits if the higher earner spouse passes.
Updates on 2025 Rule Changes
This year, some procedural changes impact couples claiming processes. Claimants will have the new requirement of enhanced in-person identity verification for new applications by the Social Security Administration. In-person applications will have new rules as well, with restricted application-eligible options almost fully phased out for persons born before January 2, 1954. In addition, 2025’s annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) policy will be 2.5% which will impact the benefits.
Claiming Smartly: Key Strategies
When married couples want to get the most out of retirement income, it is usually advisable to aim for the full retirement age for spousal benefits, because it helps to avoid permanent reductions. Model household income at different claim ages. If both spouses have substantial work records, comparing individual amounts may reveal when to file for each benefit due to the ‘deemed filing’ rule—Social Security pays the higher of the two, not both combined.
Quick Reference Data Table
| Topic | 2025 Rule/Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Max Spousal Rate | Up to 50% of PIA at FRA | Full rate at age 67 |
| Earliest Claim Age | 62 | Reduced rate (about 32.5%) |
| FRA (Born 1960+) | Age 67 | Target for max spousal benefit |
Common Questions
Q1: Can both spouses claim spousal benefits?
No, only the spouse with the lower individual benefit is eligible for a spousal benefit, and Social Security pays only the higher of your own or spousal amount.
Q2: Does delaying my own benefit increase my spousal benefit?
No, spousal benefits do not gain delayed retirement credits; waiting past FRA won’t increase the spousal payment, though it can boost survivor benefits.
Q3: Are divorced spouses still eligible?
Yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the applicant is unmarried, divorced spouses can claim even if the ex-spouse hasn’t filed, after a two-year window.
