Couples’ Strategies—Coordinating Spousal Benefits for Maximum Impact
If you’re married, Social Security planning isn’t a solo decision. Your choices affect your spouse—and vice versa. Coordinating spousal benefits can add hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.
How Spousal Benefits Work
A spouse may be eligible for up to 50% of the other spouse’s benefit (based on their Primary Insurance Amount, or PIA) if claimed at FRA.
Spousal benefits don’t increase if delayed past FRA, but the higher earner’s own benefit does—making it critical to coordinate.
The Power of Coordination
Take “Bob & Joan,” a couple we ran scenarios for:
If Bob claimed early at 63 and Joan at 67, their combined lifetime benefit was about $2.16M.
If Joan claimed at 67 and Bob waited until 70, their benefit increased to $2.51M.
That’s a $350,000 difference—all because of coordinated timing.
Survivor Benefits: The Hidden Piece
Another often-overlooked factor: survivor benefits. When one spouse passes, the surviving spouse keeps the higher benefit. That means if the higher-earning spouse delays, it leaves the survivor with more income for life.
Why It Matters
Social Security isn’t just about maximizing your own check—it’s about maximizing the family’s total income stream and ensuring the surviving spouse is protected.
👉 Next Steps: If you’re married, don’t make this decision in isolation. Your Social Security Blueprint can show the combined impact of different claiming strategies. Grab a spot on my calendar.
This article is for informational purposes only and not tax advice. Always consult your tax preparer for guidance specific to your situation.
LynnLeigh & Company - A Registered Investment Advisor This information is provided by LynnLeigh & Co. for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable – LynnLeigh & Co. advisors cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
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