Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits – Are You Missing Out?

You’ve paid into the system for decades—but what if you’re not getting everything you’ve earned?

Many retirees discover too late that they’ve missed out on valuable Social Security benefits simply because they didn’t understand how spousal benefits work. After building a life together, it’s easy to assume the system will automatically give you what’s fair. Unfortunately, it doesn’t.

Whether one of you stayed home raising children, worked part-time, or earned significantly less than your partner, there could be thousands of dollars in benefits still on the table. Let’s break down what you need to know—and the steps you should take right now to protect your income.

What Are Spousal Benefits, Really?

If you’re married, divorced, or widowed, you may be eligible for Social Security based on your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s work record. Even if you never worked or didn’t pay much into the system, you could receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit.

But here’s the catch—there are critical rules, precise timing windows, and decision points that can reduce your monthly income by hundreds of dollars if overlooked.

3 Steps to Make Sure You’re Not Leaving Money Behind

1. Check Eligibility Early

If your spouse qualifies for Social Security and you’re at least 62, you may be eligible for a spousal benefit. But timing matters—a lot. Claiming before full retirement age will permanently reduce your benefit. The difference between claiming early versus waiting can impact your retirement income for life.

2. Don’t Overlook Divorced Spousal Benefits

If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, you may still qualify for benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record—even if they’ve remarried. This often-overlooked rule doesn’t affect your ex’s benefits but can make a meaningful difference in your financial security.

3. Understand Widow and Survivor Options

If your spouse has passed away, you may be entitled to survivor benefits, which could be higher than your own Social Security. Timing is critical here too. Remarrying before age 60 can disqualify you from survivor benefits—timing matters here as well. Making informed choices now can offer lifelong financial protection during a vulnerable time.

Timing Isn’t Just a Detail—It’s a Strategy

Spousal and survivor benefits aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are ways to coordinate benefits between spouses—especially when there’s a gap in age, income, or life expectancy—to maximize your lifetime income and ensure the surviving spouse has financial support later on.

For example, in some cases, one spouse may file early while the other delays to earn delayed retirement credits. These choices should align with your broader retirement income goals.

How Spousal Benefits Fit Into Your Bigger Retirement Plan

Social Security should be part of a coordinated income plan—not an afterthought. The way you claim benefits can affect your taxes, Medicare premiums, and your legacy.

If you’re drawing from IRAs, pensions, or other retirement savings, it’s worth reviewing how your Social Security benefits stack with those income streams. Timing Social Security wisely can reduce how much you need to withdraw from savings, which may help extend the life of your portfolio and offer more stability long-term.

And don’t forget your spouse—especially if one of you is expected to live significantly longer. Claiming strategies can and should be used to protect the lower-earning or longer-living spouse.

Common Mistakes That Could Cost You

Avoid these all-too-common missteps:

• Filing too early just because it’s available.
  
• Assuming you’re not eligible for spousal or survivor benefits without checking.
  
• Forgetting about ex-spouse benefits after a divorce.
  
• Not coordinating with other income sources, leading to unexpected taxes or reduced Medicare subsidies.
  

Overlooking a single detail can shrink your monthly income—and the impact could last the rest of your life.

What to Bring to a Social Security Strategy Meeting

If you’re ready to explore your options, it helps to come prepared. Here’s what to gather:

• Your and your spouse’s estimated Social Security benefits (from ssa.gov)
  
• Marriage certificates or divorce paperwork (if applicable)
  
• Ages and health history of both spouses
  
• A list of other income sources (pensions, IRAs, etc.)
  
• Your monthly retirement budget
  

Bringing this information ensures any strategy you discuss is grounded in your real-life financial picture.

Don’t Make This Decision Alone

This is one of those choices that deserves a closer look. Too many couples file quickly and miss out on options they never knew they had. A thoughtful conversation—between yourselves and with someone who understands the system—can uncover benefits you may be entitled to but haven’t claimed.

With years of experience helping retirees navigate Social Security decisions, Barb can help you identify a claiming strategy that protects your retirement income and maximizes your benefits.

Have questions or want help reviewing your Social Security strategy?

Reach out to Barb Swiatek or call 719.597.2179.