Social Security Benefits for Single Vs. Married

Spouses are entitled to Social Security benefits based on their spouse's work.

There is no marital status requirement to receive Social Security benefits. However, those who are married or divorced may be able to collect benefits based on the Social Security record of their retired, disabled or deceased spouse or former spouse. These benefits are not available to unmarried partners.

Social Security

Social Security is a federal program that provides benefits to the retired, the disabled and the children and spouses of the deceased.

Retirement Benefits

Spouses of Social Security retirement recipients are entitled to a spousal retirement benefit, up to half of their spouse's benefit. If a spouse qualifies for Social Security retirement in her own right but the spousal benefit is more than her own benefit, she will receive the higher amount.

Divorced Spouses

If a couple had been married for at least ten years, an ex-spouse who is at least 62, unmarried and not eligible for her own equal or higher benefit can collect Social Security benefits based on her former spouse's record.

Survivor's Benefits

If a couple is married (or divorced) with minor children under the age of 16 or disabled, a surviving spouse can receive Social Security survivor's benefits at any age in the event that one party dies. Otherwise, a spouse can collect Social Security retirement benefits on her spouse's record as early as 60 or at the full retirement age or 50 if disabled.

Disability Benefits

The spouse of a disabled person can receive Social Security Disability benefits based on her spouse's record if she is over 62 (unless collecting her own higher benefit) or is caring for the disabled worker's child who is himself disabled or under the age of 16.

References

• Social Security Administration: Benefits for Your Spouse: Disability Planner
• Social Security Administration: Benefits for Your Divorced Spouse
• Social Security Administration: Widows, Widowers and Other Survivors