We think of Social Security as a program for retired or disabled workers, but it also pays benefits to spouses of those workers, some of whom have never paid a dime in Social Security taxes themselves. Spousal benefits are pretty similar to retirement benefits for workers, but there are a few important differences.

For starters, you cannot apply for spousal Social Security benefits until your partner is already claiming. There are also a few unique rules that apply to spouses who claim early. If you're thinking of applying for spousal benefits at 62, here's what you ought to know.

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Source Fool.com