The decision this page addresses

When should I claim Social Security?

This is one of the few retirement decisions that can't be undone — once you claim, your benefit is locked in at that reduced or increased rate for the rest of your life.
What actually matters here
Your age Whether you're still working Marital status Estimated benefit at FRA Health/longevity considerations
Use the Social Security Estimator
Closely related decisions
Next step: Compare your benefit at 62, 67, and 70
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Spousal and Survivor Benefits

Full spousal guide

For married couples, this is where the biggest SS optimization opportunities live. The rules are complex but the payoff of understanding them can be substantial.

Spousal Benefit

If your own SS benefit is less than 50% of your spouse's FRA benefit, you can receive the spousal benefit instead. You must be at least 62 and your spouse must have already filed.

Survivor Benefit

When a spouse dies, the survivor keeps the larger of the two benefits. The deceased's delayed retirement credits transfer to the survivor — making the higher earner's delay strategy even more valuable.

Divorced Spouse Rules

If you were married for 10+ years and are currently unmarried, you may claim on your ex-spouse's record without affecting their benefit. You must be at least 62.

File-and-Suspend

The "file and suspend" strategy was largely eliminated in 2016. Modern claiming strategy for couples now focuses on coordinating filing ages to maximize the survivor's long-term income.

Common married couple strategy: Lower earner claims early (62–65) for immediate income. Higher earner delays to 70 to maximize the survivor benefit. This approach balances present income with long-term protection for whoever lives longer.

Free Tool

See Your Numbers Side by Side

The SS Benefit Estimator shows your monthly benefit at every claiming age — including spousal amounts if you're married.

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