Spouses risk losing $24,912 by delaying Social Security claims past full retirement age
Updated
Updated · AS USA · May 8
Spouses risk losing $24,912 by delaying Social Security claims past full retirement age
11 articles · Updated · AS USA · May 8
In 2026, a spouse claiming at full retirement age could receive up to $2,076 a month, or half of a worker's maximum $4,152 benefit.
Unlike retired workers, spouses do not earn delayed retirement credits after full retirement age, so waiting until 70 does not increase spousal payments.
Spousal benefits can start at 62 at reduced rates, generally require the worker spouse to be claiming, and some divorced spouses may qualify after 10 years of marriage.
Are you losing thousands by making this common, costly mistake with spousal benefits?
With Social Security facing insolvency by 2032, is delaying benefits for a larger payout still the wisest move?
Could new Social Security rules for government retirees trigger a surprise tax bomb?