Though President-elect Donald Trump has often promised to protect Social Security, he has not explained exactly how he would save the beloved – but financially troubled – entitlement program. Nor did he take any meaningful steps to shore up Social Security during his first term in the White House.

Social Security spousal benefits could be a lifeline for your retirement, so it's important to understand how they work.

The House is expected to try to pass a Social Security-related bill this week to ensure benefits for workers who are also eligible for other pensions, despite a surprise move by hard-right Freedom Caucus leaders to derail the effort.

Workers who earn 40 Social Security credits and qualify as retirees on their own may also reap the benefits of the spousal benefit if it is higher than their own. If you are eligible for both benefits, you only have to apply once thanks to "deemed filing."

The House is expected to try next week to pass a Social Security-related bill to ensure benefits for workers who are also eligible for other pensions.