Millions of Americans heading into retirement are asking the same question in 2026: how much can a spouse actually receive from Social Security? With ongoing adjustments to benefits, cost-of-living increases, and updated retirement strategies, understanding spousal benefits has never been more important.
Here is a clear and updated breakdown of how Social Security spousal benefits work in 2026, who qualifies, and how to maximize your monthly income.
What Are Social Security Spousal Benefits?
Social Security spousal benefits allow a husband or wife to receive payments based on their spouse’s work record. This is especially important for individuals who earned little or no income during their careers or whose personal retirement benefit is smaller than their spouse’s.
A spouse can receive up to 50 percent of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement age benefit. However, the actual amount depends heavily on when benefits are claimed.
Who Qualifies for Spousal Benefits in 2026?
To receive spousal benefits in 2026, you must meet specific eligibility rules:
• You must be at least 62 years old
• Your spouse must already be receiving Social Security retirement benefits
• You must have been married for at least one year
• If divorced, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years
Even divorced spouses may qualify if they remain unmarried and meet the duration requirements.
How Much Can a Spouse Receive?
The maximum spousal benefit is 50 percent of the worker’s full retirement age benefit. However, this only applies if the spouse claims at their own full retirement age.
If a spouse claims early, benefits can be permanently reduced. For example, filing at age 62 can significantly lower the monthly payment compared to waiting until full retirement age.
It is important to note that delayed retirement credits do not increase spousal benefits. Even if the higher-earning spouse delays benefits until age 70, the spousal portion is still calculated based on the full retirement age amount.
How Early Claiming Affects Payments
Claiming before full retirement age reduces spousal benefits permanently. The reduction can be substantial depending on how early the claim is filed.
For couples planning retirement income, timing decisions can make a difference of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Coordinating filing strategies remains one of the most effective ways to maximize total household benefits.
What About Divorced Spouses in 2026?
Divorced individuals may still claim spousal benefits if:
• The marriage lasted at least 10 years
• They are currently unmarried
• They are 62 or older
• The former spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits
In many cases, the former spouse does not even need to have filed yet, as long as they are eligible and the divorce has been final for at least two years.
How Spousal Benefits Interact With Your Own Benefit
If you qualify for both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, Social Security will pay your personal benefit first. If the spousal amount is higher, you will receive an additional amount to bring your total up to the spousal limit.
You do not receive both full amounts. Instead, you receive the higher of the two benefits.
Cost of Living Adjustments in 2026
Like all Social Security benefits, spousal benefits are subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments. Any COLA increase approved for 2026 automatically applies to both retirement and spousal benefits, helping payments keep pace with inflation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many couples lose potential income simply by misunderstanding the rules. Common mistakes include claiming too early without reviewing long-term impact, failing to coordinate filing strategies, or assuming delayed retirement credits increase spousal benefits.
Taking time to understand the system can prevent costly errors.
Conclusion
Social Security spousal benefits in 2026 remain a powerful tool for retirement planning. Eligible spouses can receive up to half of their partner’s full retirement benefit, but timing and strategy matter. Whether married or divorced, understanding eligibility rules and claiming options can significantly impact lifetime income. Careful planning ensures you do not leave money on the table.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Benefit amounts and rules may change based on federal updates.