How to Unlock a Bigger Spousal Benefit in 2026 Without Delaying Retirement

Did you know that married couples can increase their Social Security income without pushing back retirement? Many people assume that delaying benefits is the only way to boost monthly payments. However, this isn't entirely true when it comes to spousal benefits.

Understanding how spousal benefits work can make a real difference in your retirement income. You might be leaving money on the table without even realizing it. Let's explore the strategies that can help you maximize these benefits in 2026.

What Are Spousal Benefits Exactly?

Social Security spousal benefits allow you to receive payments based on your spouse's work record. You can get up to 50% of your spouse's full retirement age benefit amount. This can be substantial if your spouse had higher lifetime earnings.​

To qualify, you must be at least 62 years old. Additionally, your spouse must already be receiving their own Social Security benefits. There's one important exception to this rule, though.​

If you're divorced, the rules work a bit differently. You typically don't need to wait for your ex-spouse to claim benefits before you can receive them. This gives divorced individuals more flexibility in their claiming strategy.​

The Right Age Makes All the Difference

Timing is everything when it comes to spousal benefits. You can start claiming at age 62, but there's a catch. Your benefits will be permanently reduced if you claim before reaching your full retirement age.​

Full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later. Waiting until this age ensures you receive the maximum spousal benefit. This is 50% of your spouse's full retirement amount.​

Here's the key insight. Delaying spousal benefits past your full retirement age doesn't increase them further. This is different from your own retirement benefits. Therefore, there's no advantage to waiting beyond 67 if you're claiming spousal benefits alone.​

Coordinate Your Claims Strategically

The order in which you and your spouse claim benefits matters significantly. This is where smart planning can unlock bigger payments. Let's look at how this works.

Your spouse must file for their own benefits first. Only then can you claim spousal benefits on their record. This requirement creates an opportunity for strategic timing.​

Consider this scenario. Your spouse claims their benefits at full retirement age. Meanwhile, you wait to claim your own benefits. You can then receive spousal benefits while your personal benefit continues to grow.

Your own retirement benefit increases by 8% for each year you delay past full retirement age. This growth continues until you turn 70. Consequently, you could receive spousal benefits from 67 to 70 while your own benefit grows.​

File and Switch Strategy

This approach works particularly well for certain couples. It requires careful coordination between both spouses. The concept is relatively straightforward once you understand it.

First, determine which spouse has the higher earning record. The lower-earning spouse should consider claiming spousal benefits at full retirement age. Meanwhile, they let their own benefit continue growing.

At age 70, they can switch to their own benefit if it's now higher. This maximizes lifetime Social Security income without delaying retirement. Both spouses can enjoy retirement income throughout this period.​

However, you must file for your own benefits first. Even if your own benefit amount is zero, you still need to go through this process. Only then can you become eligible for spousal benefits.​

Understanding the Deemed Filing Rule

There's an important rule you need to know about. It affects people who claim benefits before full retirement age. This is called deemed filing.

If you claim any benefit before your full retirement age, you're automatically filing for all benefits. Social Security will give you the higher of the two amounts. But both will be reduced for early claiming.​

This means you cannot claim just spousal benefits early. You'll be forced to take your own benefit too if it's higher. This permanently reduces both benefits due to the early claiming penalty.

Therefore, waiting until full retirement age gives you more flexibility. You can then choose which benefit to take first. This allows you to implement the strategies mentioned above.

Divorced Spouse Benefits

Divorce doesn't necessarily mean losing access to spousal benefits. In fact, you might have more claiming flexibility. The rules are slightly different but potentially advantageous.

You can claim benefits on your ex-spouse's record if certain conditions are met. Your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years. Additionally, you must currently be unmarried.

Here's the advantage. You don't need to wait for your ex-spouse to claim benefits. You can start receiving divorced spousal benefits independently. Your ex-spouse won't even be notified of your claim.​

This allows divorced individuals to claim at full retirement age regardless of their ex-spouse's decision. Meanwhile, your own benefit can continue growing until age 70. This provides maximum flexibility in retirement planning.

Calculate Your Potential Benefit Amount

Knowing your potential spousal benefit helps with planning. You need to know your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). This is the benefit amount they'd receive at full retirement age.

You can contact Social Security directly to get this information. Have both you and your spouse present when you call. Ask specifically about the PIA for accurate planning.​

Your spousal benefit will be up to 50% of that PIA. If you claim at full retirement age, you'll get the full 50%. Claiming earlier reduces this percentage permanently.​

Compare this amount to your own projected benefit at different ages. This comparison reveals your optimal claiming strategy. A financial advisor can help you run these numbers accurately.

Delayed Retirement Credits Don't Apply

This is crucial to understand. Delayed retirement credits only apply to your own benefits. They do not apply to spousal benefits at all.​

Even if your spouse waits until 70 to claim, it doesn't help your spousal benefit. Your spousal benefit is calculated based on their full retirement age amount. The delayed retirement credits your spouse earns are not factored in.​

However, these credits do matter if your spouse passes away. Survivor benefits are based on what your spouse was actually receiving. If they delayed past full retirement age, your survivor benefit would be higher.​

Planning for 2026 Changes

Social Security undergoes annual adjustments. In 2026, certain changes will affect benefit amounts. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increases benefits each year.​

Maximum benefit amounts also increase annually. These changes affect both retirement and spousal benefits. Staying informed about these updates helps with planning.

Additionally, the earnings test limits change each year. If you're under full retirement age and still working, this matters. Earning above certain thresholds temporarily reduces your benefits.

Take Action Now

The best time to plan your Social Security strategy is now. Waiting until you're ready to retire leaves less room for optimization. Start by understanding both spouses' earning records.

Request your Social Security statement online. This shows your projected benefits at different claiming ages. Compare these numbers for both you and your spouse.

Consider consulting a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning. They can model different scenarios specific to your situation. This personalized analysis reveals your optimal strategy.

Remember that spousal benefits max out at full retirement age. Therefore, you don't need to delay claiming them past 67. This allows you to start retirement without sacrificing maximum spousal benefits.