Under certain circumstances, spouses, ex-spouses, and widowers may be eligible for spousal benefits through Social Security. In order to receive these benefits, the spouse must be at least 62, and the spouse must file for their own benefits before the other spouse may file for spousal benefits. However, if you are widowed, you can receive your spouse’s full benefits when you are at full retirement age.

If you are divorced, there are more specifications that need to be followed in order to receive spousal benefits. You must be “62 years of age, are unmarried, have been married for 10 years or more and your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security benefits which would be more than your own benefits,” If you are within these guidelines, then you may be able to receive ex-spousal benefits.

At most, spousal benefits will be 50% of the main spouse’s benefits but if you begin to take spousal benefits before your full retirement age that percentage will decrease.