A worker can earn up to four credits each year and in 2019 your spouse can earn one credit for each $1,360 of wages or self-employment income.
What happens when my spouse has earned $5,440 for the year?
When your spouse has earned $5440 for the year they have earned all four credits for the year.
I have another question about Social Security. What exactly are Social Security credits?
They are credits earned through your work and when you pay Social Security
What happens if the amount of spouse's benefit on my record is more than the widow's or widower's benefit on my Social Security record?
Is that's the case, they'll receive a combination of benefits which will total the higher amount in this instance
What happens if I don't have enough credits built up, do my children or spouse receive anything?
Your children and spouse can get benefits if you have credits built up for one and one-half years of work 6 credits in the three years just before your death
What if my surviving divorced spouse remarries?
They will continue to receive benefits on your Social Security record
What if my surviving spouse will be in receipt of a non-Social Security pension in the future, are their benefits going to be affected?