**” Couples frequently leave substantial Social Security money on the table by claiming benefits prematurely, ignoring spousal and survivor options, or not coordinating claims to maximize lifetime payouts—potentially costing tens of thousands over retirement. “**
Why Couples Often Leave Social Security Money on the Table
Social Security remains a cornerstone of retirement income for millions of Americans, providing inflation-adjusted payments that can last decades. For married couples, the program offers unique opportunities through spousal and survivor benefits, yet many fail to capitalize on them fully. In 2026, with a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) boosting benefits, the stakes are higher than ever to get claiming right.
One of the most prevalent reasons couples shortchange themselves is claiming benefits too early, often at age 62. While this provides immediate income, it permanently reduces monthly amounts by up to 30% compared to waiting until full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later. For the higher-earning spouse—typically the one with the larger primary insurance amount (PIA)—claiming early locks in a lower benefit that also becomes the survivor benefit paid to the widow or widower after death. This can dramatically increase the surviving spouse’s risk of financial hardship, as household income often drops 33% to 50% upon the first death.
Research indicates that each year the higher earner delays claiming reduces the surviving spouse’s poverty risk by roughly 12%. Delaying to age 70 yields an 8% annual increase (delayed retirement credits) beyond FRA, maximizing the check and providing a larger inflation-protected survivor benefit. Yet many couples prioritize short-term cash flow or fear they won’t live long enough to break even, overlooking that survivor benefits act like a joint-life annuity protecting the longer-lived partner—often the wife, given average life expectancy differences.
Another major oversight involves misunderstanding spousal benefits. A lower-earning spouse can claim up to 50% of the higher earner’s PIA at their own FRA, even if they never worked or earned modestly. However, spousal benefits do not earn delayed credits beyond FRA, so waiting past that point offers no advantage for this portion. Couples often miss this by having both claim their own records early, forgoing the higher spousal amount.
Deemed filing rules, in place since changes in 2016, further complicate matters. If a spouse claims before FRA, they are deemed to file for all available benefits, receiving the higher of their own or spousal amount—but without the flexibility to switch later in some cases. This eliminates older “file and suspend” or restricted application strategies for those born after certain dates.
Lack of coordination is another costly error. Optimal strategies often involve the higher earner delaying to 70 while the lower earner claims early (at 62 if needed) on their own record, potentially switching to spousal later if beneficial. This maximizes total household income over time, especially considering longevity. For couples with similar earnings, both delaying can make sense. But without planning, many simply claim simultaneously at 62, leaving survivor protections diminished and spousal opportunities untapped.
Misconceptions about break-even ages also play a role. Claiming early means more checks initially, with break-even typically in the late 70s or early 80s. Couples who expect shorter lifespans opt early, but actuarial data shows many live well beyond that point, and survivor needs extend the horizon. Health concerns prompt early claims, yet healthy couples or those with family longevity histories often benefit most from delay.
Work in retirement adds another layer. Earnings limits apply before FRA—$24,480 in 2026 (with $1 withheld for every $2 over), and $65,160 in the year reaching FRA ($1 for every $3 over)—but withheld amounts are recalculated at FRA for higher future payments. Couples sometimes claim early to supplement income, not realizing delayed benefits grow faster than earnings penalties.
Taxes and other income sources interact too. Up to 85% of benefits can be taxable depending on combined income, prompting some to claim early to manage brackets. Yet strategic timing with Roth conversions or withdrawals can mitigate this.
In 2026, maximum benefits underscore the potential: A worker claiming at FRA receives up to $4,152 monthly, rising to $5,181 at 70. For couples where both qualify maximally, combined benefits can exceed $10,000 monthly. Even with one spousal benefit, totals reach around $7,771. Leaving money on the table often means settling for far less.
Couples should create mySocialSecurity accounts to view estimates, model scenarios, and consider longevity, health, and overall finances. While individual circumstances vary—cash needs, age gaps, health histories—the key is viewing Social Security as a couple’s asset, not two separate ones.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Social Security rules can change, and individual situations require personalized review.
