When to Claim Social Security Spousal Benefits for Maximum Income

Choose the Best Age to Start Collecting Social Security Spousal Benefits

Oh, wonderful! Another thrilling chapter in the riveting saga of Social Security planning. Because nothing says “living the dream” quite like spending your golden years navigating government bureaucracy.

Social Security spousal benefits can be a financial lifeline for those who either don’t qualify for their own Social Security benefits or would receive significantly less than their spouse. Nearly 2 million Americans are currently collecting these spousal benefits through the Social Security system. Understanding when to apply for these benefits can significantly impact your retirement income for years to come.

Before Full Retirement Age

You can start collecting Social Security spousal benefits at age 62. How generous! Of course, the government, in its infinite wisdom, will permanently reduce your benefits for this impatience:

• Your benefit decreases by 25/36ths of 1% for each month before your full retirement age, up to 36 months
• Beyond that? It drops by 5/12ths of 1% per month

Because nothing says “we value simplicity” like fractions within fractions. Let’s translate this bureaucratic poetry: If your spouse gets $2,000 monthly and you claim just one year early, you’ll get $916.80 instead of $1,000. That’s nearly $1,000 less annually for the rest of your life! But hey, who needs that extra money anyway? It’s not like healthcare costs are skyrocketing or anything.

Your “breakeven” point would be about 11 years. If you’re a 66-year-old woman with average health, you’ll likely live 19 more years. So claiming Social Security early means leaving money on the table, but at least you’ll have the pleasure of kicking yourself for the next two decades.

Government Pension Offset (GPO)

Previously, the GPO reduced Social Security benefits for government workers with pensions not covered by Social Security. The reduction was two-thirds of the pension amount—because apparently working for the government wasn’t punishment enough.

Good news! The Social Security Fairness Act repealed this provision. It only took them until 2025 to fix this “minor oversight.” Better late than never, I suppose.

At Full Retirement Age

For most people, waiting until full retirement age is optimal. At FRA, you receive your maximum spousal benefit—a whopping 50% of your spouse’s Social Security amount. How generous! Half of what your spouse gets for doing exactly the same thing: aging.

Your full retirement age depends on your birth year:

• Born 1943-1954: Age 66
• Born 1955: 66 and 2 months
• Born 1956: 66 and 4 months

And so on, because apparently a straightforward system would be too much to ask. If you were born in 1960 or later, congratulations! You get to work until 67. The government’s way of saying “thanks for being born later.”

Past Full Retirement Age

Unlike regular Social Security benefits, spousal benefits don’t increase if you delay beyond FRA. While workers collecting their own benefits can get larger payments by waiting until 70, Social Security spousal benefits max out at full retirement age. So there’s absolutely no advantage to waiting longer. The government giveth, and the government taketh away the incentive to delay.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 [Closed Loopholes]

In 2015, Congress decided some people were getting too clever with their Social Security strategies. Can’t have that!

“Deemed Filing”

Before this legislation, some people could receive spousal benefits at FRA while delaying their own benefit. Now, “deemed filing” forces you to file for both simultaneously. Because heaven forbid anyone should optimize their benefits in a system they’ve paid into their entire working lives.

“File and Suspend”

Previously, a worker could apply for Social Security benefits at FRA, then immediately suspend payments, allowing their spouse to receive spousal benefits while the worker’s benefit grew. Congress shut this down faster than a lemonade stand without a permit.

Divorced Spousal Benefits

If you’re divorced, you may still qualify for Social Security spousal benefits if:

• Your marriage lasted at least 10 years (because 9 years, 11 months of marital bliss counts for nothing)
• You’re currently unmarried (once bitten, twice shy, the government approves)
• You’re at least 62
• Your ex is entitled to Social Security benefits
• Your own benefit would be less than what you’d get based on your ex’s record

At least your ex won’t be notified when you claim on their record. Small mercies from the bureaucratic gods.

Survivor Benefits

If your spouse passes away, you may get Social Security survivor benefits up to 100% of what they received. Yes, the government finally gives you your spouse’s full benefit—all it takes is their death. What a bargain!

You can claim as early as age 60, but with reduced amounts. Because nothing says “I’m sorry for your loss” quite like a benefit reduction.

By understanding these options and planning carefully, you can navigate this labyrinth of Social Security rules and regulations to maximize your retirement benefits. Or you could just bang your head against the wall—both activities produce similar levels of enjoyment, but only one might actually increase your retirement income.