Social Security is an earned benefit. You become eligible by paying the payroll tax during your working years, and the amount you get is geared to your wage history - with a glaring exception. Since the 1980s,

If you wait to claim spousal benefits until your full retirement age, you can receive up to half the amount of your spouse's benefit.

The Senate voted early Saturday morning to repeal two laws that prevent many public employees from receiving Social Security, a move that is expected to weigh on the overall solvency of the Social Security system.