To qualify for Social Security spousal benefits, it's not enough to be over the minimum age of 62 while married to a worker who is collecting a retired worker benefit. You have to be married for at least one year before you can claim a spousal benefit based on your partner's work history.

A recent AARP survey shows that more retirees are leaning more on their monthly Social Security payments as compared to 20 years ago. In the survey which polled more than 1,200 retirees, about 65% said they greatly rely on Social Security,