Find out how alimony (spousal support) is awarded and calculated in Minnesota. The exspouse does not need to give permission or even know that the other spouse is receiving benefits based on the exspouse's work record.A spouse receiving SSI benefits may see a reduction in benefits if they receive spousal maintenance. There is No Formula for Calculating Minnesota Spousal Maintenance. Spousal maintenance is subject to modification without a motion, based on cost of living increases, once every two years, upon proper legal notice. In most cases, you cannot request alimony after your divorce judgment has been entered in Minnesota. If a married couple decides to divorce and one of the spouses has a disability preventing them from working, alimony payments can be awarded. Income is an obvious factor, as one spouse may receive a significant income from their career while the other does not work. Note: In your divorce decree or in a post-divorce decree, you and your spouse can agree that your alimony order cannot be changed in the future. That is why Minnesota family law allows parties to ask for spousal maintenance in a divorce.