How is social security calculated for married couples

Q: What is the best Social Security strategy for married couples?

Coordinating your benefits with your spouses benefits can help you both get the most out of your Social Security payments. In some cases, it makes sense for both spouses to claim on the same spouses earnings record. Many couples use a split strategy, which means they begin claiming at different ages.

Q: Can my wife collect my Social Security while Im alive?

En español | Yes, you can collect Social Securitys on a spouses earnings record. You may be able to do this in the form of spousal benefits, or as survivor benefits if you are a widow or widower.

Social Security Retirement Benefit Calculator - Married Couples This calculator analyzes the multiple Social Security retirement benefit scenarios available to a married couple (both spouses must be age 50 or older). Given the assumed ages at death, the calculator suggests the scenario that appears to offer the highest potential total lifetime benefit.

Restricted applications (i.e., an individual filing for spousal benefits at full retirement age, but not for retirement benefits until a later date, in order to get an increased retirement benefit) are not available for persons turning age 62 after 2015. A person born after 1953 that applies for either a retirement or a spousal benefit will be deemed to apply for the other type of benefit as well.

Table of Contents Show

What is the best Social Security strategy for married couples?
How do you find out how much Social Security you will receive?
Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?
Can my wife collect my Social Security while I'm alive?

"File and suspend" is a strategy in which a spouse files for retirement benefits at full retirement age and immediately suspends the benefits, allowing the other spouse to file for spousal benefits. For any request for benefit suspension submitted after April 29, 2016, spousal benefits cannot be paid to either spouse during the suspension period. This calculator considers the file and suspend strategy only for persons who are at least age 66 by April 30, 2016. A calculation showing file and suspend is not valid unless the request for benefit suspension is submitted by April 29, 2016.

Enter Basic Information
	Spouse 1 (S1)	Spouse 2 (S2)
Year of birth (1952 to 1972)
Each spouse must be age 50 or older, and younger than 71.
Benefit age (62 to 70)
Estimated monthly benefit at selected age	$	$
Enter estimated monthly Social Security retirement benefit, and the benefit age (62 to 70) for which the estimated monthly benefit applies. You can obtain the benefit amount from a Social Security Statement, or from the Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov).
(Optional) Restrict the age ranges considered by the calculator
Lowest age to evaluate
Highest age to evaluate
The calculator evaluates scenarios and benefit options available between ages 62 and 70 for each spouse; if an individual is older than 62, the calculator will evaluate options available for the current age up to age 70. If you wish to restrict the age range considered (e.g., Spouse 1 wants to begin claiming benefits no later than age 68), you may do so by adjusting the lowest age or highest age for each spouse.
(Optional) Change lifetime benefit period
Assumed age at death
Life expectancy (according to Social Security life expectancy tables) for Spouse 1 is assumed to be age 81 (life expectancy for a man), life expectancy for Spouse 2 is assumed to be age 84 (life expectancy for a woman). These values are used to estimate total lifetime benefits received. To change, enter new values above. Note that age must be at least the "highest age to evaluate" value used above, but no more than 119.
(Optional) Specify a scenario for comparison purposes
	Spouse 1 (S1)	Spouse 2 (S2)
Begin retirement benefits age (no less than lowest age to evaluate, nor more than highest age to evaluate)
This calculator will suggest the scenario that appears to offer the highest potential total lifetime benefit. To compare the result with another possible scenario (e.g., both spouses receiving benefits at age 62), enter specific retirement benefit starting ages above. To illustrate only the suggested scenario, leave the input fields for this section blank.

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Coordinating your benefits with your spouse's benefits can help you both get the most out of your Social Security payments. In some cases, it makes sense for both spouses to claim on the same spouse's earnings record. Many couples use a "split strategy," which means they begin claiming at different ages.

Your Social Security Statement (Statement) is available to view online by opening a my Social Security account. It is useful for people of all ages who want to learn about their future Social Security benefits and current earnings history.

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

En español | Yes, you can collect Social Security's on a spouse's earnings record. You may be able to do this in the form of spousal benefits, or as survivor benefits if you are a widow or widower.