Claiming age is one of the few retirement decisions you cannot undo. For couples, the right answer depends on both lives, not one.
Social Security is often the only inflation-adjusted income a family has for life. That makes the claiming decision worth modelling carefully.
Earlier is not always smaller in total
Claiming early means smaller checks for longer; delaying means larger checks for fewer years. The break-even depends on health, other income and your spouse.
Think about the survivor
When one spouse passes, the household keeps the larger of the two benefits. Delaying the higher earner's claim can protect the surviving spouse for decades.
Coordinate with the rest of the plan
Delaying benefits often means drawing on savings first — which can also open a window for tax-efficient moves. The decision belongs inside the full plan, not beside it.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal or investment advice. Speak with a licensed professional about your own situation.
