If you’re married or divorced, and 62 or older, you may be eligible for spousal Social Security retirement benefits. But just because you’re eligible, it doesn’t necessarily mean you want to draw them. There are repercussions to signing up for spousal Social Security if you aren’t at full retirement age (FRA).
The average age for retirement in the United States is 62, according to a 2024 study by Mass Mutual. At 62, many individuals whose spouses are either alive or have died may become eligible to collect a portion of their spouse’s Social Security benefits. But how much can you collect, and is it worth taking it early?
