On what basis is Social Security spousal benefit eligibility determined?

Social Security spousal benefit eligibility is determined primarily by the spouse's work record and eligibility status. This is because the spousal benefit is designed to supplement the income of a lower-earning or non-working spouse based on the earnings record of the higher-earning spouse.

To qualify for spousal benefits, the spouse must be married to someone who is eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Additionally, the higher-earning spouse must have earned enough credits through their work history to qualify for Social Security. The spousal benefit is typically up to 50% of the higher earner's benefit at their full retirement age, as long as the applying spouse is of age to receive benefits.

In this context, other factors such as total family income, the age at which the spouse retired, or the number of children the couple has do not directly influence eligibility for spousal benefits. Instead, eligibility hinges on the work record of the higher-earning spouse and their eligibility for benefits. This structure ensures that a spouse who may not have worked enough to qualify for their own benefit can still receive financial support based on the primary worker's contributions to Social Security.