Understanding eligibility for spousal Social Security benefits

To qualify for spousal Social Security benefits, three main requirements must be met. First, your spouse must qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, which requires a minimum of 40 work credits. Second, you must be married for at least one year, with exceptions for couples with children or those previously eligible for certain benefits. Ex-spouses can qualify if married for at least 10 years and divorced for two years, but remarriage affects eligibility. Lastly, your spousal benefit must be larger than your own retirement benefit. The Social Security Administration pays the higher amount automatically. You can estimate benefits using online calculators or by contacting the Social Security Administration.