Learn about the filing rules for married couples regarding retirement and spouses benefits that will help you decide when to claim your benefits. The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement.Social Security can be difficult to navigate. Here's everything you need to know to apply for Social Security in Massachusetts. RETIREMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS", you need complete only the circled items. All other claimants must complete the entire form. 1. In Massachusetts, alimony can be terminated at retirement, at which point the spouse can receive Social Security. As you probably know, Massachusetts is one of a handful of "non-Social Security" states. For marriages of over 20 years, the term is "indefinite," but presumptively ends when the paying spouse reaches full social security retirement age. Social Security provides benefits and financial protection for you.