They spend a lot of time discussing rules and strategies claiming Social Security to ensure you get the most out of the benefits of the program. But one feature of the program that may not get enough attention is benefits for the spouse.

Spousal benefits can be a lifesaver for seniors who set up a single-income household. Spouses who cut their careers short and stayed home to raise children and manage a household can still receive a nice-sized monthly check thanks to spousal benefits.

But the rules are a little different for spousal benefits than for personal retirement benefits. Therefore, it is important to know the details to make a smart claim decision. Here are three things you absolutely need to know before applying for spousal benefits.

Just like when you file for personal Social Security retirement benefits, when you file for spousal benefits can have a big impact on the size of your monthly check.

First, it’s important to note that the maximum spousal benefit is equal to half of your spouse’s primary insurance amount. This is the amount your spouse will receive if they claim at their full retirement age.

Like personal retirement benefits, you can qualify for spousal benefits from age 62. But claiming before you reach full retirement age will reduce your monthly benefit. In fact, the reduction in spousal benefits is greater than the reduction in early claim personal retirement benefits. Also, unlike personal retirement benefits, there is no increase in spousal benefits if you apply after full retirement age.

Here is a table showing how much a person with a full retirement age of 67 (anyone born in 1960 or later) will receive in spousal benefits as a percentage of the primary insurance amount of your spouse at different claim ages.

Data source: Social Security Administration.

A key detail about spousal benefits is that to be eligible, your spouse must also be actively collecting benefits. It used to be possible for a spouse to apply for benefits and then suspend their application, but in most cases, the Social Security Administration now requires one person to be actively receiving benefits when another person claim benefits based on that person’s earnings record.

This can create a difficult situation for some couples. If the higher-earning spouse is waiting to claim benefits to maximize his or her monthly check, it could mean that the lower-earning spouse receives a much smaller benefit or no benefit while waiting. (Note: You can apply for personal retirement benefits and switch to spousal benefits after your spouse applies for Social Security.)

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