Many married couples think of Social Security as one joint decision: pick a filing age and claim together. That may seem straightforward, but two benefits that affect each other for as long as either spouse is alive often call for two separate strategies.
Without that coordination, a surviving spouse could end up with less income for years. Here is how couples can approach filing differently to help maximize retirement benefits and make the decision together.
Why one claiming age affects both spouses
When one spouse dies, the survivor does not keep both checks. If someone is eligible for both a survivor benefit and another benefit, the Social Security Administration pays the larger amount, not both combined.
That is why the higher earner’s claiming age matters so much. A surviving spouse typically receives 100% of the benefit the worker was collecting at full retirement age, or FRA. If the worker claimed early and received a reduced benefit, the survivor benefit is based on that reduced amount. In practical terms, the higher earner’s decision can help set the income floor for whichever spouse lives longer.
According to the SSA, a married couple age 65 has a 50/50 chance that one spouse will live past age 90.
Why the higher earner may benefit from waiting until 70
For every full year a worker delays past FRA, the benefit rises 8%, up to age 70. For example, someone with a $2,000 monthly benefit at an FRA of 67 would receive $1,400 if claiming at 62 or $2,480 if waiting until 70.
That larger payment may later become the survivor benefit, so delaying can act like a form of insurance for the spouse who outlives the other.
The lower earner’s calculation is different. That smaller benefit is the one most likely to disappear after the first death, so claiming it earlier may make sense in some cases. The smaller check can help cover expenses while the larger benefit continues to grow.
That is why taking both benefits at the same age can leave money on the table.
Spousal benefit rules couples often misunderstand
Here are some spousal benefit rules that often cause confusion for couples:
Other coordination mistakes to keep in mind
In addition to deciding when each spouse should file for Social Security, couples should also watch for other rules that can influence benefits.
Working while collecting
If one spouse keeps working and collects Social Security before reaching FRA, the earnings test can temporarily reduce benefits.
Once a person has not reached FRA for the entire year, earnings of more than $24,480 can trigger the test. The SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above that amount.
In the year a person reaches FRA, the limit rises to $65,160, and the SSA withholds $1 for every $3 above the threshold. After FRA is reached, the earnings test no longer applies.
Those withheld benefits are not gone forever, because the SSA recalculates the benefit at FRA. However, earnings above the limit can reduce benefits paid to family members on that record, while a spouse’s own earnings affect only that person’s benefit.
Taxes on combined income
The SSA defines combined income as adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest and half of Social Security benefits. For couples filing jointly, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable if combined income falls between $32,000 and $44,000, and up to 85% may be taxable if it exceeds $44,000.
Divorced-spouse benefits
An ex-spouse who was married for at least 10 years, is at least 62, and is unmarried may claim on a former partner’s record. If the divorce has lasted at least two consecutive years and both people are at least 62, a divorced spouse may collect even if the ex has not filed. These benefits do not reduce what the ex-spouse or a current spouse receives.
When claiming earlier may be the better choice
The bottom line
Because Social Security claims are linked, it can make sense to plan together. Start by getting personalized estimates for each spouse through my Social Security account, then compare scenarios in which the higher earner claims at different ages and the lower earner claims sooner.
Test each option under the assumption that one spouse dies first, not just while both are alive. Even the month you retire and begin benefits can affect what you and your family receive, so it may be wise to check with the SSA before either spouse files.
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