Avoid Costly Timing Errors With Spousal Social Security Benefits

While delaying retirement claims until age 70 maximizes your own Social Security payments, spousal benefits operate under different rules—and waiting too long can prove expensive.

Your maximum spousal benefit equals half of your partner’s benefit at their full retirement age (FRA), typically 67 for today’s workers. To receive this amount, you must delay your application until your own FRA.

Spousal benefits do not offer delayed retirement credits for waiting beyond your FRA. If you plan to claim spousal payments, do not wait longer than necessary to submit your application.

If your spouse has not yet applied, you may choose to claim your own retirement benefit in the meantime—assuming you qualify—to bring in income while they delay for larger checks.

Once your spouse files, contact the Social Security Administration to request a switch to a spousal benefit if it would be worth more than your current retirement payment. You can handle this by phone or at your local office.

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