Are you and your spouse approaching retirement, wondering how to maximize the full potential of your Social Security benefits? Without thorough planning, it’s possible to leave thousands of dollars on the table if you choose the wrong option.
Optimizing benefits for married couples isn’t just smart; it’s essential to make sure you both receive all that you are owed so you can succeed in your golden years.
This article shares ten key strategies, based on insights from the Social Security Administration (SSA), to help you maximize your benefits and answer vital questions about your options. From spousal benefits to survivor planning, these strategies could add tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to your retirement income.
However, before putting any of these strategies into action, it’s highly advisable to consult a financial advisor from ARQ Wealth to create a plan suited to your specific needs. Call (480) 214-9572 to schedule a consultation.
1. Understand the Basics of Dual Entitlement for Couples
The key to effective social security planning for married couples is understanding dual entitlement—a rule that allows individuals to receive benefits based on either their own work record or their spouse’s, whichever is higher.
If both spouses have sufficient work credits (typically 40 quarters, or approximately 10 years), each can claim benefits based on their own earnings. However, the lower-earning spouse might choose a spousal benefit, which can be up to 50% of the higher earner’s primary insurance amount (PIA) at full retirement age (FRA) (FRA is 67 for those born in 1960 or later).
This explains how social security works for married couples by avoiding overlap: You receive the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit. For example, if Spouse A has a $3,000 monthly FRA benefit, Spouse B could claim $1,500 as a spousal benefit, even if their own benefit is only $800—raising household income without reducing Spouse A’s payout.
In 2025, with the maximum FRA benefit at $3,900 for high earners, this could mean up to $1,950 for the spouse.
Pros: It helps balance income for couples with uneven earnings, which is common in households where one partner has taken a break from work for family reasons. This has the potential to add tens of thousands of dollars over retirement.
Cons: Spousal benefits do not earn delayed retirement credits, so timing is crucial because claiming early could cut benefits by as much as 35%.
To illustrate, consider a couple where the husband earned steadily, qualifying for $2,500 at FRA, while the wife, after raising children, qualifies for just $1,000. She switches to the spousal option for $1,250, increasing their total from $3,500 to $3,750 monthly. Over 20 years, that’s an extra $60,000, inflation-adjusted.
Couples should use SSA’s online calculators to project this for their own situation, factoring in 2025’s 2.5% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for accuracy.
This claiming strategy helps ensure financial security by leveraging marital status, but it’s just the start—you can build upon it with advanced tactics.
2. Leverage the 62/70 Split Strategy
One of the most effective strategies for claiming Social Security benefits is the 62/70 split, which is particularly beneficial for married couples with differing earnings. In this approach, the lower-earning spouse claims Social Security at age 62 to receive immediate income, while the higher-earning spouse waits until age 70, earning delayed retirement credits (DRCs) of 8% each year past FRA—up to a total of 24% for those with FRA at 67.
This strategy strikes a balance between short-term cash flow and long-term growth. For example, if the higher earner’s FRA benefit is $4,000, delaying it until age 70 increases it to $5,280 per month in 2025 dollars. The lower earner might choose to take a reduced $900 (from $1,500 FRA) early, providing $10,800 annually while the larger benefit continues to grow.
Pros: It maximizes lifetime benefits, particularly for survivors because the widow(er) inherits the increased amount. Studies indicate that this can generate 10-20% more over a combined lifespan of 85 years or more.
Cons: Early claiming permanently reduces the smaller benefit by up to 30%, and health risks could shorten payback periods. If the higher earner dies early, the strategy underperforms.
Considerations: It’s crucial to account for life expectancy when evaluating this claiming strategy, using tools like the SSA’s Life Expectancy Calculator. A real-world example: A couple is in their 60s; the wife claims benefits at 62 for $1,200 (reduced from $1,800), while the husband delays until age 70 for $3,960 (up from $3,000). The household starts with $1,200 and grows to $5,160 later. Over 25 years, they save $150,000 more by claiming separately at their full retirement age.
3. Both Delay Until Age 70 for Maximum Payouts
A couple with similar earnings and good health could both consider delaying their claims until age 70 to maximize their individual benefits through Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs), potentially reaching 132% of their Full Retirement Age (FRA) amounts. In 2025, the maximum at age 70 could exceed $5,148 (based on the FRA maximum of $3,900 plus 32% credits). Thus, they might collect over $10,000 monthly.
This strategy hedges against longevity due to annual COLA increases.
Pros: Highest lifetime income for long-lived couples; survivor gets the larger delayed benefit.
Cons: Requires substantial savings to forgo benefits for years—break-even is often around age 80.
Example: Both spouses with $3,000 FRA benefits delay, getting $3,960 each at 70. Total: $7,920 monthly vs. $6,000 at FRA. That’s an additional $ 21,600 per year over 20 years, or $432,000 in total.
Considerations: Health assessments are key; if one spouse has chronic issues, a hybrid approach can be more effective.
4. Utilize Spousal Benefits for Lower Earners
Spousal benefits are crucial for couples with income gaps, allowing the lower earner to receive up to 50% of the higher earner’s FRA benefit, often exceeding their own. The higher earner must file first, unless they choose to delay.
Pros: Boosts income without work requirements; no impact on the higher earner’s benefit.
Cons: No DRCs on spousal; early claim reduces it.
Example: The higher earner qualifies for a $3,500 FRA; the lower earner receives a $1,750 spousal benefit versus their own $900—total increase: $850 per month, which can be substantial over decades. For women, who often live longer, the strategy helps them transition to survivor benefits smoothly.
5. Prioritize Survivor Benefits in Planning
Survivor benefits protect the surviving spouse, who receives 100% of the deceased’s benefit at FRA (or a reduced amount at age 60). Prioritize the survivor benefit by having the higher earner delay benefits to maximize the inheritable amount.
Pros: Protects against income loss; can start at 60 for widows.
Cons: If both die early, there will be less total collected.
Example: Delaying longer leads to $5,000 at age 70; the survivor receives that amount versus $3,000. Lifetime addition: $100,000+.
6. Consider Claiming Early if Health or Life Expectancy is Limited
Not all couples should delay claiming benefits, especially if one or both spouses have health issues or a shorter expected lifespan. Claiming benefits as early as age 62 can be a smart move to maximize total benefits, even though monthly payments are reduced by 25-30%.
This strategy emphasizes immediate income over the potential for larger, delayed payouts, which might not be necessary if lifespans are shorter than 80 years.
For married couples, claiming benefits early can greatly boost total benefits. For example, a couple where one spouse claims $1,400 at age 62 instead of $2,000 at FRA, and the other claims $1,050 early versus $1,550 at FRA, could receive $2,450 monthly starting at age 62. If both live to 76 or 77, they might gain an extra $124,000 compared to waiting until FRA because the extra years of payments outweigh the benefit reduction.
Key considerations include assessing life expectancy using tools such as the SSA’s Life Expectancy Calculator or consulting healthcare professionals. Couples should also coordinate Social Security benefits with other income sources, such as part-time work or savings, to maintain a stable retirement income without relying too heavily on reduced benefits.
For example, early access to taxable brokerage accounts can help preserve tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs for later, thereby lowering tax burdens.
7. Coordinate with Other Retirement Income Sources
Maximizing Social Security benefits for married couples involves integrating them with other retirement income sources, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, or annuities.
Viewing Social Security as part of a broader financial plan helps couples strategically time their claims for maximum growth. A key strategy is using savings to bridge the gap when delaying benefits, allowing for larger, inflation-adjusted payments later.
Couples can initially withdraw from tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs, which don’t generate taxes, to help preserve Social Security benefits for later, when their COLA-protected income (a 2.5% increase in 2025) becomes more valuable. This strategy lowers taxable income early in retirement, since up to 85% of Social Security benefits might be taxed if total income exceeds $44,000 for joint filers in 2025.
For example, a couple with a $500,000 401(k) can withdraw $25,000 each year to delay both spouses’ benefits until age 70. This strategy increases their combined monthly Social Security benefits from $5,000 to $6,600, resulting in an additional $432,000 saved over 20 years.
Pros: Enhances tax efficiency and maximizes inflation-protected income.
Cons: Requires careful budgeting to avoid running out of assets. Couples should model withdrawal rates (such as the 4% rule) and consult advisors to align their strategies with their long-term goals, helping to ensure financial security in retirement.
8. Factor in Earnings Tests and Work in Retirement
For couples who are still working and claiming Social Security before reaching their full retirement age, the earnings test can temporarily reduce benefits. In 2025, the SSA will withhold $1 for every $2 earned over $23,400 annually before full retirement age, or $1 for every $3 over $62,160 in the year they reach full retirement age.
This strategy involves coordinating so that one spouse works while the other claims benefits, minimizing reductions. For example, if the higher earner makes $50,000 and the lower earner claims $1,500 monthly at 62, only the claimant’s benefit is subject to withholding ($13,800 annually), preserving household income.
Pros: Maintains work income while accessing benefits.
Cons: Temporary reductions can disrupt budgeting.
Couples who are high earners should consider delaying their claim, as reductions could significantly lower benefits. Use SSA’s Retirement Earnings Test Calculator to accurately estimate the effects.
9. Use Online Tools and Calculators for Personalized Projections
The SSA’s mySocialSecurity account is a valuable tool for couples to explore claiming options, enter earnings histories, ages, and life expectancies for customized projections.
For example, a couple can test the 62/70 split to see how a $1,200 early benefit, combined with a $5,000 delayed benefit, compares to claiming both at FRA.
Pros: Free, accurate, and updated with the 2025 COLA (2.5%). The 2026 COLA will be announced on October 15, 2025.
Cons: Requires accurate input; complex cases need advisor input.
It’s essential to review your mySocialSecurity account annually, as COLA and rule changes can impact your projections. This helps you make informed decisions for the best options and keeps your strategy aligned with your changing financial goals.
10. Consult Professionals and Stay Updated on Changes
Social Security rules change over time, with each year bringing new earnings thresholds and COLA adjustments. Stay updated through SSA.gov, but for complex cases—like age gaps, health issues, or divorce—a financial advisor or Social Security expert is invaluable. They can perform detailed analyses, taking taxes, pensions, and life expectancy into account.
Pros: Personalized plans maximize benefits; advisors stay current on rule changes.
Cons: Fees may apply, but savings often outweigh costs.
Bottom Line
These ten Social Security strategies for married couples can enhance your retirement income and improve your financial security. From understanding dual entitlement to survivor planning, strategic claiming is crucial.
However, before exploring these options, it’s essential to consult a financial advisor for tailored guidance—they can assess your specific situation and help you maximize your benefits, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.
To learn more about developing a tailored plan, contact an ARQ Wealth financial advisor today—they’ll offer detailed projections and peace of mind for your retirement years.