When it comes to Social Security, married couples have options that single filers do not. The choices you and your spouse make about when to claim can mean the difference of tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetimes.
Yet many couples make these decisions separately, without thinking about how their choices affect each other. That is a costly mistake.
Here is how to think about Social Security as a team.
Why Timing Matters So Much
You can claim Social Security as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. The difference in monthly payments is huge.
If your full retirement age (FRA) is 67, here is roughly what happens:
- Claim at 62: Your benefit is cut by about 30%
- Claim at 67 (FRA): You get 100% of your calculated benefit
- Claim at 70: Your benefit grows by 24% above your FRA amount
For someone with a $2,000 monthly benefit at FRA, that is the difference between about $1,400 a month (at 62) and $2,480 a month (at 70). Over 20 years of retirement, that gap adds up to more than $250,000.
Now multiply those decisions by two people, and the stakes get even higher.
The Spousal Benefit: A Benefit Many Couples Miss
If you are married, you may qualify for a spousal benefit based on your partner’s work record. The spousal benefit can be up to 50% of your spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age.
This matters most when one spouse earned much more than the other. Say your spouse’s FRA benefit is $2,800 a month. Your own benefit based on your work history is $900. You would receive the higher amount: $1,400 (50% of your spouse’s $2,800) instead of your own $900.
A few rules to know:
- Your spouse must have already filed for their own benefits (or you must have been married at least one year)
- If you claim before your own FRA, the spousal benefit is reduced
- The spousal benefit does not grow past FRA, so there is no bonus for waiting until 70 to claim it
- You automatically get the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit
The Survivor Benefit: The Most Overlooked Piece
When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse can switch to the deceased spouse’s benefit if it is higher. This is called the survivor benefit, and it can be up to 100% of what the deceased spouse was receiving.
This is why the higher earner’s claiming decision is so important. It does not just affect them. It sets the floor for what the surviving spouse will receive for the rest of their life.
If the higher earner claims at 62 and locks in a reduced benefit, the survivor is stuck with that lower amount. If the higher earner waits until 70, the survivor gets that larger check.
Think of the higher earner’s decision as buying a form of life insurance for the surviving spouse.
Four Strategies Worth Considering
Every couple’s situation is different. Income, health, savings, and spending needs all play a role. But here are four common approaches that financial planners often recommend.
Strategy 1: Higher Earner Delays, Lower Earner Claims Early
This is one of the most popular strategies for a reason. The lower-earning spouse claims at or near 62 to bring in some income. The higher-earning spouse waits until 70 to lock in the maximum benefit.
Why it works. The household gets some Social Security income right away. And the larger benefit grows to its maximum, which also becomes the survivor benefit.
Best for: Couples where one spouse earned significantly more, and the household can get by on the smaller benefit plus savings for a few years.
Strategy 2: Both Spouses Delay Until 70
If you can afford it, waiting until 70 for both benefits gives you the highest possible combined monthly income.
Why it works. Both checks are as large as they can be. If both spouses live into their mid-80s or beyond, this approach usually produces the most total money.
Best for: Couples with enough savings or other income to cover expenses from 62 to 70. Also good when both spouses are healthy and have a family history of long lives.
Strategy 3: Stagger the Claims
One spouse claims at FRA (67) and the other waits until 70. This splits the difference between getting money sooner and growing the benefit.
Why it works. The household starts receiving a meaningful benefit at 67, and the other benefit keeps growing for three more years.
Best for: Couples who want some income before 70 but still want to grow the larger benefit.
Strategy 4: Both Claim at FRA
Both spouses claim at 67 and start receiving their full benefits. No reduction, no delay bonus.
Why it works. It is simple and gives you 100% of what you earned. For couples who are not comfortable living off savings past 67, this removes the stress of waiting.
Best for: Couples who need the income at 67, or when health concerns make a longer life less likely.
How to Think About Your Decision
There is no single “best” strategy. The right choice depends on your answers to these questions.
How is your health? Delaying benefits pays off most if you live a long time. If one or both spouses have serious health problems, claiming earlier may make more sense.
What are your other income sources? If you have a pension, rental income, or a large 401(k), you may be able to delay Social Security without hardship. If Social Security is most of your income, claiming earlier may be necessary.
Who earned more? The bigger the gap between your earnings, the more important it is for the higher earner to delay. That protects the lower-earning spouse through the survivor benefit.
What is your age difference? If one spouse is several years younger, they may collect spousal benefits for a longer period. The younger spouse also has a longer expected lifetime to benefit from a higher survivor benefit.
What are your spending plans? If you plan to travel or spend more in early retirement, you might claim earlier to fund those years. If your spending will be steady, delaying makes the math work in your favor.
The Divorce Factor
If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, you may claim spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record. You must be at least 62, currently unmarried, and your own benefit must be less than the spousal amount.
Your claim does not affect your ex-spouse’s benefits in any way. They will not even know you filed. And if your ex has not filed yet but is old enough to, you can still claim on their record as long as you have been divorced for at least two years.
Do Not Forget About Taxes
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be taxed, depending on your total income. When both spouses are collecting, the combined income may push you into a range where more of your benefits are taxable.
This is another reason to think about the timing carefully. In some cases, staggering when you claim can keep your combined income lower in certain years, reducing the tax bite.
Key income thresholds for married couples filing jointly:
- Below $32,000 combined income: Benefits are not taxed
- $32,000 to $44,000: Up to 50% of benefits may be taxed
- Above $44,000: Up to 85% of benefits may be taxed
“Combined income” here means your adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus half of your Social Security benefits.
Tools and Help
The Social Security Administration has a free online calculator at ssa.gov that can estimate your benefits at different claiming ages. It is a good starting point, but it only shows individual numbers, not couple strategies.
For a more complete picture, consider:
- Meeting with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in retirement income. They can run the numbers for your specific situation.
- Using a Social Security planning tool designed for couples. Several are available online, and some are free.
- Visiting your local Social Security office to ask questions. Bring both spouses. The staff can walk you through your options, though they cannot give personalized financial advice.
The Bottom Line
Social Security is one of the largest assets most couples have. A married couple could collect over $1 million in lifetime benefits. Yet many people spend more time planning a vacation than planning their claiming strategy.
Sit down together. Look at both of your statements. Talk about health, spending, and goals. Run the numbers or get help from a professional.
The best strategy is the one you choose together, with open eyes and a clear understanding of the trade-offs.
Reported by Robert A. Williams with additional research from the SeniorDaily editorial team. For corrections or updates, please contact us.
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