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.

Q. I receive a significant pension from work I have done outside of Social Security. I have not worked enough hours under Social Security to receive a benefit based on my work record. My spouse is