The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.
Randall, in order for your wife to be eligible for spousal benefits, you need to have already filed for your own benefits. If that's the case and your wife is at least 62 years old, she can apply for her spousal benefit.
You are eligible to receive one-half (50%) of your ex-spouse's retirement benefit. If your ex-spouse should die before you, you can receive their full retirement benefit. The benefit does not include any delayed retirement credits your ex-spouse may receive.
Last Updated: April 18, 2025 If you don't have enough Social Security credits to get benefits on your own work record or your own benefit is small, you may be able to receive benefits as a spouse. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their work record.
An order for permanent spousal maintenance can remain in effect until a court modifies the order, until certain events occur, or until one of the parties dies.
For example, if a spouse is physically disabled and can't work, or is older and has been out of the job market for many years, the court may order permanent support. Long-term support isn't always "forever," and the paying spouse can ask for a review if circumstances change in the future. (Minn. Stat.
Unlike child support, spousal maintenance doesn't use a guideline calculator. Instead, Minnesota courts determine an amount and a period of time that is fair. (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 518.552, Subdivision 2). When considering the amount and duration, a judge must consider certain factors.
An order for permanent spousal maintenance can remain in effect until a court modifies the order, until certain events occur, or until one of the parties dies.
Unlike child support, there is no standard formula for calculating spousal support in Minnesota. In general, however, the longer you've been married, and the greater the disparity in earning capacity between the spouses, the more likely it is that a substantial maintenance award will be made.