The Typical Social Security-Filing Couple Collects $3,238 — But You May Be Able to Raise Yours

For married retirees, two Social Security checks can make life easier — but many couples miss out on extra income because they claim without a coordinated plan. In many cases, the choice one spouse makes about when to file can affect the amount the household receives for life.

There are also certain sponsor and affiliate links in this article, and Flywheel Publishing may be compensated for activity generated through them.

Marriage can offer some real advantages in retirement. Beyond having a partner to share the years after work, you may also have access to two Social Security benefit payments in one household. That can go a long way toward covering expenses after your paycheck disappears.

The average couple receiving Social Security now gets $3,238 per month. With the right approach, however, you and your spouse may be able to bring in more.

Ways to increase your Social Security income

Social Security determines retirement benefits using your 35 highest-earning years. In that calculation, earlier wages are adjusted for inflation.

You can claim your full benefit at full retirement age, or FRA. For anyone born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67.

That said, you do not have to claim as soon as you reach FRA. Each year you wait beyond that point, up to age 70, increases your benefit by 8%. If both spouses are eligible, that creates a valuable opportunity to lock in a larger lifetime check.

Of course, both spouses may not be able to delay claiming. If you want to retire earlier, you may need Social Security income to make that possible.

In that situation, one common strategy is for the higher-earning spouse to delay filing while the lower-earning spouse claims at FRA. That way, the household still has money coming in, while the larger future benefit continues to grow.

Couples often favor the higher earner as the one to wait because the 8% annual increase is worth more when applied to a larger benefit. Still, if that approach does not suit your circumstances, the lower earner could be the one who delays instead.

There is no universal best choice. The right decision depends on your own financial situation.

Other ways to increase Social Security

Waiting past FRA is not the only way to raise your monthly check. You can also improve your benefit amount by increasing your earnings during your working years. That might mean chasing promotions, asking for raises, or starting a side business.

It also helps to build a full 35-year work record. If either spouse has several years with little or no earnings, working part time after filing could replace some zero-income years with wages.

And yes, you are allowed to work while receiving Social Security. After you reach FRA, there are no earnings limits to worry about.

In the end, couples have several ways to get more from Social Security. It is worth sitting down together, comparing strategies, and choosing the one that best supports a comfortable retirement.