3. Sign Up for Spousal Benefits

Married people with little earned income may be eligible to get spousal benefits of up to 50% of their partner’s entitled amount. In other words, signing up for your spouse’s retirement benefits is a wise thing to do if you have earned little or no income.

If you’re at least 62 years old and have a kid in your care, you may qualify to get benefits through your spouse. The maximum amount of the spousal benefit is 50% of the partner’s benefit, depending on when the partner starts collecting.

Even divorcees can sign up for spousal benefits. In fact, both ex-partners can claim those benefits based on the other spouse’s earned income. However, if you’ve remarried, you cannot sign up for your ex-spouse’s benefits.