Marriage isn’t just about sharing life’s joys and challenges—it’s also about strategic retirement planning, especially when it comes to Social Security. Coordinating when and how you and your spouse claim benefits could mean tens of thousands of extra dollars in lifetime income. Even better, a smart strategy can ensure financial security for the surviving spouse.
Let’s explore how married couples can make the most of their Social Security benefits.
The Power of Spousal Benefits
If one spouse worked while the other focused on raising a family or earned significantly less, spousal benefits can be a financial game-changer. The lower-earning spouse can receive up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s benefit—and that’s without reducing the higher-earning spouse’s own benefit.
Example:John’s full retirement age (FRA) benefit is $2,500 per month. His wife, Mary, who worked part-time and earned less over her career, is eligible for $1,250 in spousal benefits. Even though Mary claims a benefit based on John’s earnings, John’s monthly amount remains $2,500.
Delaying the Higher Earner’s Benefit: A Win-Win Strategy
If both spouses have worked, the higher earner should consider delaying their benefit until age 70. Why? Because delaying benefits increases monthly payments by 8% per year beyond FRA. This not only boosts income during retirement but also ensures the surviving spouse receives a larger benefit after the higher earner passes away.
Key Strategy:
The lower-earning spouse claims their benefit early if needed, providing immediate cash flow.
The higher earner delays their claim, maximizing the eventual survivor benefit for the spouse who outlives them.
Example:Elena and Brian both worked, but Elena earned more throughout her career. If Elena waits until age 70 to claim her benefit, her monthly amount increases to $3,300 (compared to $2,500 at her FRA). If Elena passes away, Brian, as her surviving spouse, will receive her $3,300 monthly benefit instead of his own smaller amount.
Spousal Claiming Mistakes to Avoid
Many couples unknowingly leave money on the table by not coordinating their claims. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:
Claiming Too Early: Claiming benefits before FRA permanently reduces spousal and survivor benefits.
Overlooking Survivor Benefits: The higher earner’s decision impacts the surviving spouse’s financial well-being.
Not Planning Together: Failing to align your claiming strategies can cost thousands in missed benefits.
Special Considerations for Spousal Benefits
Divorced Spouses: If you were married for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record, even if they’ve remarried.
No Double Dipping: You can’t claim both your own benefit and a spousal benefit. Social Security pays whichever is higher.
Spousal Benefits Don’t Grow After FRA: Unlike retirement benefits, spousal benefits max out at your FRA.
Maximizing Benefits for Both Spouses
The best Social Security strategy depends on your unique circumstances. Consider these questions:
Does one spouse expect to outlive the other?
Is immediate income or long-term security more important?
Can you afford to delay benefits for the higher earner?
Key Takeaways
Spousal benefits can provide up to 50% of the higher earner’s benefit.
Delaying the higher earner’s claim boosts lifetime income and survivor benefits.
Married couples should coordinate their claims to maximize benefits and secure financial stability for the surviving spouse.

*The examples in this blog are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.
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