Social Security spousal benefits allow spouses to claim benefits based on their partner's earnings record. Eligibility for spousal benefits typically requires the spouse seeking benefits to be at, A spouse can choose to retire as early as age 62, but doing so may result in a benefit as little as 32.5 percent of the worker's primary insurance amount. A spousal benefit is reduced 25/36 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months., If you’re currently married, your spouse can collect Social Security on your record if you have begun to claim benefits. If you’re divorced, your ex-spouse can begin collecting Social Security on your record as long as the eligibility criteria are met., A spouse can claim spousal benefits at age 62 if the primary spouse has already applied for benefits. The age requirement can be waived if the spouse cares for a child under 16 or a disabled child. An ex-spouse can also claim spousal benefits at age 62 if the marriage lasts ten years., Also, if you’ve been divorced for at least two years, you can even claim spousal benefits if your spouse hasn’t begun receiving Social Security retirement benefits – if you’re at least age 62., To receive a spouse benefit, you generally must have been married for at least one continuous year to the retired or disabled worker on whose earnings record you are claiming benefits. There are narrow exceptions to the one-year rule..