One of the most important parts of the program, especially for married couples, is Social Security spousal benefits.

Spousal Social Security benefits can be complex, but understanding them can help maximize your retirement income.

Key PointsSocial Security spousal benefits can be a big source of retirement income.The rules of spousal benefits are often misunderstood.It's important to know when you're eligible for spousal ...

If you can keep working while looking after your health, do it. You get 100% of your Social Security benefit at full ...

Married couples have a prime opportunity to work together and maximize their Social Security benefits. Don't be too quick to ...

If you're divorced, you can often get Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's work record. Know the rules about when and how you can claim.

Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of your spouse's Social Security benefit. Depending on your age and circumstances, there are different rules for who is eligible and for how much.

As a spouse, you can claim Social Security benefits based on your own earnings history or collect a spousal benefit that’s up to 50% of your spouse’s Social Security benefit. You don’t get both.

If you’re looking to increase your Social Security spousal benefits, there’s no easy route. Spousal benefits are based off of a worker’s 35-year wage history of paying into Social Security.

Marcia Mantell, author of “What’s the Deal with Social Security for Women?,” provided this response: At a high level, spousal benefits from Social Security are retirement benefits paid to a ...

Like standard benefits, you can claim spousal benefits before your FRA, beginning at age 62. For the primary claimer, benefits are reduced by 5/9 of 1% each month before their FRA, up to 36 months.