Key Points Social Security allows a lower-earning spouse to claim benefits on a higher-earning spouse's work record. Spousal benefits are still available after a marriage lasting at least 10 years. If you're divorced, you have an advantage when it comes to claiming because you don't have to wait for your spouse to claim first. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Most people think of retirement benefits when they hear the words Social Security. And, of course, S ...