If you’re married (or were married for at least 10 years), you may be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits—but the rules are more nuanced than most people realize.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• What spousal Social Security benefits are

• Who qualifies and when

• How claiming age affects the benefit

• A real-life example showing how the rules play out

• Common mistakes to avoid

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already collecting benefits, understanding spousal benefits can make a meaningful difference in your lifetime income.