The right Social Security strategy for a married couple can mean $50,000 to $100,000 more in lifetime household benefits compared to each spouse claiming independently. The reason: married couples have access to spousal benefits and survivor benefits that create optimization opportunities most people miss entirely.
This is the guide where the math gets more interesting. Single people have one variable — when to claim. Married couples have two claiming ages, spousal benefit calculations, and a survivor benefit that makes the higher earner's decision significantly more consequential. If you read one guide on this site as a couple, make it this one.
Why Couples Need a Strategy
Married couples have access to benefits that single individuals do not: spousal benefits and survivor benefits. These additional options create opportunities for optimization, but also add complexity to the claiming decision.
Key considerations for couples:
- One spouse's claiming decision affects the other's options
- The higher earner's benefit often becomes the survivor benefit
- Age differences between spouses matter
- Health and life expectancy of both spouses should be considered
Think Household, Not Individual
Understanding Spousal Benefits
A spouse can receive benefits based on their own work record OR based on their spouse's record - whichever is higher. The spousal benefit can be up to 50% of the higher earner's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
Eligibility Requirements
To receive spousal benefits, you must:
- Be at least 62 years old (or any age if caring for a child under 16)
- Be married to someone who is receiving Social Security retirement benefits
- Have been married for at least 1 year (in most cases)
Your Spouse Must File First
How Spousal Benefits Are Calculated
The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's PIA (their benefit at full retirement age). However, claiming before your own FRA reduces this amount.
Example: Spousal Benefit Calculation
Higher earner's PIA: $2,800/month
No Delayed Credits on Spousal Benefits
Important: When you file for benefits, Social Security automatically gives you the higher of your own benefit or your spousal benefit. You cannot choose to take only spousal benefits while letting your own benefit grow (this changed with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015).
Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefits are often the most valuable and overlooked aspect of Social Security planning for couples. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse can receive the deceased spouse's full benefit amount (if higher than their own).
Survivor Benefit Amount
The survivor benefit equals 100% of what the deceased spouse was receiving (or would have received). This makes the higher earner's claiming decision especially important.
| Survivor's Age at Claim | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Full Retirement Age or older | 100% of deceased's benefit |
| Age 60-FRA | 71.5% - 99% (reduced) |
| Age 50-59 (disabled) | 71.5% |
| Any age (caring for child under 16) | 75% |
Why the Higher Earner Should Almost Always Delay
Key survivor benefit rules:
- You must have been married for at least 9 months (exceptions for accidents)
- Remarrying before age 60 ends survivor benefits (but remarriage after 60 does not)
- You can switch between your own benefit and survivor benefit at different times
- Survivor benefits can begin as early as age 60 (50 if disabled)
Coordinating Your Claims
The key insight for couples is that each spouse can claim at different ages to maximize household benefits over both lifetimes. Consider these factors:
- Earnings history: Who has the higher benefit? That person's benefit is more valuable because it becomes the survivor benefit.
- Age difference: If one spouse is significantly older, they may need to claim earlier while the younger spouse delays.
- Health status: The spouse with health concerns might claim earlier, while the healthier spouse delays.
- Need for income: If you need income now, the lower earner might claim early to bridge the gap while the higher earner delays.
Common Claiming Strategies
Strategy 1: Lower Earner Claims Early, Higher Earner Delays
Best for: Couples with different earnings and the higher earner in good health
The lower earner claims at 62-67 to provide household income. The higher earner delays to 70, maximizing both their lifetime benefit and the eventual survivor benefit.
Strategy 2: Both Delay to 70
Best for: Couples with substantial other income sources and good health
Both spouses delay to 70, maximizing both benefits. Requires ability to fund retirement from other sources for several years.
Strategy 3: Staggered Claims at FRA
Best for: Couples who want balance between maximizing benefits and receiving income
Both spouses claim at their Full Retirement Age. A middle-ground approach that avoids early-claiming reductions without requiring a long wait.
Strategy 4: Age-Based Optimization
Best for: Couples with significant age differences
The older spouse claims at FRA or earlier, the younger spouse delays. Accounts for the longer expected claiming period for the younger spouse.
Benefits for Divorced Spouses
If you were married for at least 10 years before divorcing, you may be eligible for benefits based on your ex-spouse's record.
Divorced spouse benefit requirements:
- Marriage lasted at least 10 years
- You are currently unmarried
- You are at least 62 years old
- Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security benefits
- Your own benefit (if any) is less than the spousal benefit
Your Ex Does Not Need to Claim First
Important: Claiming on an ex-spouse's record does not reduce their benefit or affect their current spouse's benefits. They will not even be notified.
One more thing worth knowing: your ex-spouse is never notified when you claim on their record, and it does not reduce their benefit or their current spouse's benefit by a single dollar. Some people avoid filing because they do not want to "take" from their ex. You are not taking anything — this is a benefit you earned through your years of marriage.
Your Next Steps
- Get both Social Security statements at ssa.gov to see estimated benefits for each spouse
- Calculate household benefits under different claiming scenarios
- Consider your ages and health - who is likely to live longer?
- Factor in survivor benefits - ensure the surviving spouse will have adequate income
- Use our calculator to model different strategies
Model Your Household Strategy
Our calculator includes a spousal benefit analysis that shows household income under different claiming combinations. Enter both spouses' information and see which strategy maximizes your lifetime total. The household strategy comparison table shows all 16 possible combinations.
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