The amount of one’s Social Security spousal benefit depends on multiple factors. These factors include one’s age, the maximum benefit received by one’s spouse, and whether one is eligible for other benefits. Overall, the maximum benefit claim amount for spouses is 50% of the primary beneficiary’s total benefits. However, there are other factors that affect this percentage.

For example, if you do not have a disabled child to care for, or you fall within some social security exception, it may be more difficult to claim spousal until your working spouse claims retirement benefits. If you are 62 years old or more, you can claim spousal benefits.

The amount given to a surviving spouse or a divorced spouse is determined based partially on whether the spouse is taking care of the deceased person’s children. The amount given to the spouse can be between 75% to 100% of the deceased worker’s monthly earnings. In other cases, where a disabled worker dies while getting his disability benefits, the spouse may be able to obtain death benefits. However, SSA will first verify numerous details before providing any benefits.

If your spouse is disabled and alive, you can receive almost half of the disabled worker’s primary insurance amount. If the children of a disabled person are getting benefits, and the spouse also applies for the same, the disability benefits for spouse may be issued accordingly.

The total benefits received by children and spouses can never be more than the maximum limit of family benefits, i.e., 150% of the disabled workers’ monthly social security disability insurance benefits. SSA follows a specific procedure to determine social security benefits.