Key Points If you're looking to file for Social Security spousal benefits, you must understand how they work. You should know that you can claim spousal benefits even if you're divorced or have an earnings record of your own. Delaying your spousal benefit claim may not do you any good. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There are certain benefits to being married in retirement. For one thing, it's nice to have somebody's company at a time when you're not worki ...