A Social Security Strategy That Can Give Couples More Time to Decide

Social Security can be an important retirement income source, but the age at which you claim affects how much you receive for the rest of your life.

For married couples, the decision is often more complicated. Benefits can start as early as age 62, while waiting until 70 can maximize the monthly amount. The best choice depends on factors such as each spouse’s age and earnings history.

How split claiming works

One common approach is for the lower-earning spouse to claim earlier while the higher earner delays benefits until age 70. That can be especially useful when a couple needs income sooner, since the spouse with the smaller benefit gives up less by filing early, while the other spouse can secure a larger monthly check later.

Another issue to weigh is survivor protection. If one spouse dies, the surviving spouse generally receives the higher of the two benefits or the survivor’s own current benefit, depending on the situation. That can make delaying for the higher earner more attractive.

Health also matters. A spouse with medical concerns may prefer to claim sooner rather than wait for a larger payment that could take many years to offset. For some people, taking benefits earlier provides more flexibility and immediate income.

Why it can matter most after one spouse dies

Delaying benefits can create a stronger survivor benefit, which may be especially valuable for the lower earner. Still, age gaps should be part of the calculation. If the higher-earning spouse is much younger than the other spouse, the odds of who may outlive whom can change the decision.

This tradeoff means accepting less income now in exchange for more guaranteed income later. By the time a surviving spouse needs to rely on Social Security, there may be fewer opportunities to return to work, so benefits and savings have to cover ongoing expenses.

When the strategy fits — and when it does not

This approach often works best for couples who have some savings or part-time income and do not need both Social Security checks right away. In those cases, one spouse can help bridge the gap while the higher earner waits longer.

It is less appealing for couples in strong health who are likely to live longer than average, and it can be difficult if both spouses need benefits immediately to meet monthly bills.

Before making a choice, you can review your personalized Social Security estimates on the Social Security Administration’s website. That information can help you narrow down the best filing window for your situation.