Can I get Social Security if my spouse works?
Ava Robinson
Published Feb 28, 2026
If you haven’t worked or if you don’t have enough Social Security credits, and you’re married, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits as a result of your spouse’s work.
Is my wife entitled to my retirement?
In terms of how much either spouse is entitled to, the general rule is to divide pension benefits earned during the course of the marriage right down the middle. While that means your spouse would be able to lay claim to half, they are limited to what was earned during the course of the marriage.
What are the pros and cons of retiring before your wife?
Retiring before my wife produces new relationship stress, limits financial and personal options that would be available if we were both retired, and creates unique risks. There are major personal and financial implications for partners retiring at different times. They need to be considered to determine if this strategy makes sense for you.
Can a working spouse contribute to a traditional IRA?
If the working spouse is covered by an employer-sponsored plan, their ability to deduct any, some, or all of their traditional IRA contributions will depend on their modified adjusted gross income and tax filing status. These rules are explained in IRS Publication 590-A, which is updated annually.
When does one spouse retire and the other stays at home?
Sometimes, a spouse returns to work part time or full time after retiring, often cycling through various work arrangements before stopping permanently. Retirement also may be less of a choice than it appears. An older worker may decide to retire by default after a layoff and no new job offer, or because a family member needs a caregiver.
Can a couple retire at the same time?
The problem of retiring separately “comes up all the time,” says Kristi Sullivan, a certified financial planner and owner of Sullivan Financial Planning in Denver. “People tend to think it’s strange if they don’t retire at the same time.” A couple she is advising, still in their 40s, is already arguing about it.
