How to Maximize Social Security Benefits for a Married Couple

Social Security is a key part of retirement planning, providing income for individuals and families. For married couples, coordinating claiming strategies can significantly increase their combined lifetime benefits, enhancing financial security in retirement.

Social Security Benefits for Married Couples

An individual’s Social Security retirement benefit is determined by their earnings record over their working life. The Social Security Administration calculates this benefit based on the 35 years in which an individual earned the most, adjusted for inflation, and determines a Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). The age at which someone begins claiming benefits directly impacts the monthly amount received.

Married individuals may also be eligible for spousal benefits based on their partner’s work history. To qualify, the claimant must be at least 62 and their spouse must have already filed for their own retirement benefits. The maximum spousal benefit is up to 50% of the primary worker’s PIA. If eligible for both their own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, the Social Security Administration pays the higher amount. Claiming spousal benefits before one’s own FRA results in a permanent reduction.

Survivor benefits are available to eligible widows or widowers based on a deceased spouse’s earnings record. A surviving spouse can receive up to 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit amount if the survivor has reached their own FRA. If claimed earlier, as early as age 60, the monthly amount will be reduced. Eligibility requires a marriage of at least nine months.

Divorced individuals may also qualify for benefits based on an ex-spouse’s record. To be eligible, the marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years, the claimant must be currently unmarried, and be at least 62. The ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits, but does not need to have filed for them. This benefit can be up to 50% of the ex-spouse’s PIA and claiming it does not affect the ex-spouse’s benefit or the benefits of their current spouse.

Strategic Claiming to Maximize Benefits

Understanding Full Retirement Age (FRA) and Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) is key to maximizing Social Security benefits. An individual’s FRA is the age at which they receive 100% of their Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). Delaying benefits beyond FRA, up to age 70, earns Delayed Retirement Credits, increasing the monthly benefit by approximately 8% for each year delayed.

For married couples, coordinating claiming decisions can lead to a higher combined lifetime payout. When both spouses have substantial earnings records, a common strategy involves both delaying benefits until age 70. This approach maximizes each individual’s benefit and also creates the largest possible survivor benefit for the remaining spouse. This strategy is beneficial for couples with similar incomes and life expectancies.

When one spouse is a significantly higher earner, a different coordination strategy is often advantageous. The higher-earning spouse might delay claiming benefits until age 70 to maximize their individual benefit and the potential survivor benefit for their partner. The lower-earning spouse could claim their own benefit earlier, perhaps at their FRA or age 62, or claim a spousal benefit if that amount is higher than their own earned benefit. This “split strategy” provides immediate income while allowing the higher earner’s benefit to grow.

A spouse can claim a spousal benefit as early as age 62, receiving a reduced amount, or wait until their own FRA to receive up to 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s PIA. Spousal benefits do not accrue Delayed Retirement Credits, so there is no advantage to delaying a spousal benefit claim past one’s own FRA.

Historically, strategies like “file and suspend” and “restricted application” allowed certain individuals to claim spousal benefits while deferring their own, or vice-versa. These options were largely eliminated for those born after specific dates. While no longer widely available, understanding current rules and how different benefit types interact remains key for maximizing combined household benefits.

Factors Affecting Benefit Payouts

Factors influencing the actual amount of Social Security benefits a married couple receives include the Social Security Earnings Test. This test applies if an individual claims benefits before their Full Retirement Age (FRA) while continuing to work. Benefits may be temporarily reduced if earnings exceed a certain annual limit. For earnings above the limit, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned. In the year an individual reaches FRA, the earnings limit is higher, and the reduction is $1 for every $3 earned above that limit, applying only to earnings before the month they reach FRA. Any benefits withheld are not permanently lost; future monthly benefits are increased at FRA to account for prior reductions.

Taxation of Social Security benefits is another consideration. A portion of these benefits may be subject to federal income tax depending on a recipient’s “provisional income,” also known as “combined income.” Provisional income is calculated by adding adjusted gross income, any tax-exempt interest income, and half of the Social Security benefits received.

For married couples filing jointly, provisional income thresholds determine the taxable percentage of benefits. If provisional income is between lower and middle thresholds, up to 50% of Social Security benefits may be taxable. If provisional income exceeds a higher threshold, up to 85% of benefits may be subject to federal income tax. These thresholds are not adjusted for inflation, meaning more beneficiaries may find their benefits taxed over time due to cost-of-living adjustments or other income increases.

Historically, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who also received a pension from employment not covered by Social Security. The GPO affected spousal and survivor benefits, while the WEP reduced the worker’s own retirement or disability benefits. However, the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in January 2025, repealed both the WEP and GPO. This legislative change means affected individuals may see their Social Security benefits increase, and some may be eligible for retroactive payments dating back to January 2024.

Applying for Benefits and Ongoing Management

Before applying for Social Security benefits, married couples should gather important documents. These include:
Social Security numbers for both spouses.
Original birth certificates or certified copies.
A marriage certificate.
Divorce decrees for any previous marriages lasting 10 years or more (if applicable).
Employment history, including W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from the previous year.
Bank account information for direct deposit.

The Social Security Administration offers several application methods. Individuals can apply online through the Social Security Administration’s website, by calling the national toll-free number, or by making an appointment to apply in person at a local Social Security office. The online application process for retirement benefits is convenient, allowing users to save their progress. While some documents like W-2s can be photocopied, originals or certified copies of identity documents like birth certificates are required.

After submitting an application, applicants receive a confirmation. Processing time can vary, but the Social Security Administration will communicate any need for additional information. Respond promptly to requests to avoid delays in benefit processing.

Once benefits are approved, ongoing management uses the “my Social Security” online account. This platform allows beneficiaries to set up or update direct deposit information, access annual benefit statements, and report changes in personal details, such as a change of address or work status. Reporting changes promptly ensures benefit payments remain accurate and uninterrupted.