Maximizing Social Security: What Retired Couples Need to Know in 2025

Social Security benefits for spouses remain a complex and often misunderstood topic. According to a report by MassMutual, 25% of surveyed adults nearing retirement age were unaware that spouses can claim Social Security based on their partner’s earnings history. Additionally, 40% did not know that ex-spouses without a work history might also be eligible under certain conditions.

These knowledge gaps can lead to costly financial mistakes in retirement. To help married couples navigate Social Security benefits in 2025, here are four key points to understand.

1. Spouses Can Claim Social Security Based on Their Retired Partner’s Earnings Record

Social Security retirement benefits are available not only to retired workers but also to their spouses, even if the spouse has no work history. To qualify for spousal benefits, certain conditions must be met:

• The couple must have been married for at least one year.
• The spouse must be at least 62 years old.
• The retired partner must already be receiving Social Security benefits.

In some cases, a spouse may be eligible for both retired-worker benefits based on their own work history and spousal benefits based on their partner’s earnings record. In such instances, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will award the higher of the two benefits.

2. Claiming at Full Retirement Age Maximizes Spousal Benefits

The amount of Social Security spousal benefits depends on the claiming age of the spouse and the primary insurance amount (PIA) of the retired worker. The PIA represents the benefit a worker would receive if they start Social Security at their full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later.

If a spouse claims Social Security at FRA, they will receive 50% of their partner’s PIA. However, if they claim before FRA, their benefit is reduced based on how early they start. The chart below illustrates how spousal benefits decrease for those born in 1960 or later:

Importantly, spousal benefits do not increase beyond FRA. Unlike retired-worker benefits, which earn delayed retirement credits, there is no advantage to delaying spousal benefits past age 67.

3. Divorced Spouses May Be Eligible for Benefits on an Ex-Partner’s Work Record

Divorced individuals may still collect Social Security spousal benefits based on their ex-spouse’s earnings history, provided they meet these conditions:

• The divorced spouse is at least 62 years old.
• The marriage lasted at least 10 years.
• The divorced spouse has not remarried.
• The divorce has been finalized for at least two years.

Many people misunderstand how ex-spousal benefits work. For instance, while current spouses usually cannot claim benefits unless their partner is also receiving Social Security, this rule does not apply to divorced spouses. Additionally, an ex-partner’s remarriage does not impact a divorced spouse’s ability to claim benefits.

Another common misconception is that claiming benefits on an ex-partner’s record will reduce their benefit or that the ex-partner will be notified. Neither of these concerns is valid—benefits are not affected, and no notification is sent.

4. Spouses Cannot Collect Spousal Benefits While Delaying Their Own Retirement Benefits

Some individuals qualify for both spousal benefits and retirement benefits based on their own work history. However, they cannot collect spousal benefits while delaying their own benefits to earn a higher payout later. This is due to the SSA’s “deemed filing” rules, which require individuals to file for both benefits at the same time. The SSA will then award the higher of the two.

These rules closed a loophole that previously allowed some spouses to claim spousal benefits while letting their own retirement benefits grow. However, deemed filing applies only to retirement benefits—not survivor benefits. This means that a widow or widower can still claim survivor benefits while delaying their own retired-worker benefits to earn delayed retirement credits.

Maximizing Social Security for a Secure Retirement

Retirement planning involves careful decision-making to maximize Social Security benefits. Many retirees overlook key strategies that could boost their income by thousands of dollars annually. Understanding spousal benefits, knowing when to claim, and being aware of eligibility rules for divorced spouses can help retired couples make the most of their Social Security benefits.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.