Dear Savvy Senior,

How do Social Security spousal benefits work? My wife, who’s approaching age 62, has had a few small-paying jobs over the years, but spent most of her time as a homemaker. What is she entitled to?

Primary Breadwinner

Dear Breadwinner,

Spousal benefit questions are among the most frequently asked and confusing parts of Social Security. The rules that govern qualifying and claiming are knotty, and there are many exceptions. But understanding how these benefits work is crucial for maximizing your family’s retirement income. Here’s what you should know.

What are spousal benefits?

Social Security spousal benefits are designed to provide retirement income to spouses who either didn’t work or worked sporadically/part-time and earned significantly less than their spouses o

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