When it comes to Social Security, most people think their only real choice is when to start claiming benefits. But there’s another decision many couples overlook—or misunderstand entirely: Should you claim your own Social Security check or take your spouse’s instead?
On paper, spousal benefits seem like a smart backup plan. If your own earnings were modest or inconsistent, tapping into your higher-earning spouse’s Social Security sounds like a way to close the gap. And for many, it can be. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the smartest (or safest) move.
In fact, taking your spouse’s Social Security check comes with strings attached, trade-offs few people talk about, and long-term financial consequences that can catch you off guard. Before you make a decision that locks in your monthly income for the rest of your life, here’s what you really need to know.
You Might Be Entitled to Up to 50%, But That Number Isn’t Guaranteed
Spousal benefits are often advertised as giving you “half” of your spouse’s full retirement amount. That’s only partly true. Yes, you may receive up to 50%, but that’s only if your spouse has reached full retirement age (FRA) and you claim at your own full retirement age.
If you claim earlier, your portion will be reduced. And if your spouse claims benefits early, that affects your amount, too. The system is more like a domino arrangement than a one-to-one benefit swap.
So that promised “half” might end up being closer to 30-40%, depending on when and how you both file. It’s a moving target, not a fixed windfall.
Claiming Spousal Benefits May Permanently Lower Your Monthly Check
Once you claim Social Security, it locks in your benefit amount with very few exceptions. If you choose spousal benefits early, not only do you get a reduced percentage, but you could lose the ability to switch to a higher personal benefit later.
This is especially critical for people who worked intermittently, took time off to raise children, or earned less due to caregiving roles. Many are told to take spousal benefits without realizing that their own record might eventually pay more if delayed until age 70. If you lock in too early, you could be sacrificing hundreds or even thousands per month over time.
You Can’t Claim Spousal Benefits Unless Your Spouse Has Filed
One of the biggest surprises for many people is that you can’t just decide to take spousal benefits on your own timeline. You only become eligible once your spouse has claimed their own benefits. So if your spouse is holding out until age 70 to maximize their check and you were banking on starting at 62, you’re out of luck.
This can complicate retirement planning, especially when one partner is older or plans to work longer. Coordinating Social Security claims as a couple isn’t just smart. It’s essential.
The Government Won’t Tell You What Strategy Is Best for You
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Social Security agents are not financial advisors. They’re trained to tell you what you’re eligible for, not what’s smartest in the long run. That means they won’t run projections or advise you to delay if it’s in your best interest.
This is especially dangerous when it comes to spousal benefits. Many retirees are steered toward immediate gratification—a smaller check today—without understanding the compounding impact of waiting a few years. Unless you work with a retirement planner or run detailed projections yourself, you may never realize you left thousands on the table.
You May Qualify for Survivor Benefits Later, But It’s Not Automatic
If your spouse passes away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits, essentially receiving their full benefit amount. But this switch doesn’t happen automatically. You must apply for it, and your eligibility is based on factors like your age, marital status, and how long you’ve been married.
Also important: if you took spousal benefits early, your survivor benefits may still be reduced. And if you remarry before age 60, you could disqualify yourself altogether. This makes understanding both spousal and survivor rules vital. What helps you today could hurt you tomorrow if you don’t plan for both.
Your Own Benefit Still Grows in the Background, But Switching Is Tricky
In rare cases, people can claim spousal benefits first while allowing their own benefit to grow in the background (up to age 70). Then, they switch to their own record when it pays more. But this strategy, known as “restricted application,” was phased out for most people born after January 1, 1954.
If you’re younger than that cutoff, you generally must take the highest benefit you qualify for when you apply. That makes it harder to use spousal benefits as a strategic stepping stone. Don’t assume the system works in your favor. Run the numbers before you commit.
Spousal Benefits Can Affect Your Taxes and Medicare Premiums
Even if the monthly check looks good, don’t forget about the ripple effects. Social Security income can be taxable, depending on your total income level. For couples filing jointly, even modest spousal benefits could tip you into taxable territory.
In addition, higher combined income can also raise your Medicare Part B premiums through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts). These aren’t small changes. They can shave off a significant chunk of your retirement budget. Always factor in tax impact and healthcare costs before choosing a benefit strategy.
If You Divorce, You Might Still Be Eligible With Conditions
What if you’re divorced? Believe it or not, you may still qualify for spousal benefits—up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full benefit—if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, you’re unmarried now, and you’re age 62 or older.
Even better: your ex doesn’t need to have filed for benefits as long as they’re eligible. And your claim won’t affect what they—or their new spouse—receive. Still, this rule has layers. Remarriage usually cancels eligibility. And you’ll want to weigh your own benefit record against theirs to determine which option pays more over time.
The “Free Money” Isn’t as Free as It Looks
On the surface, spousal benefits seem like a no-brainer for non-working or lower-earning partners. But the decision isn’t that simple. The wrong choice could reduce your lifetime Social Security income by tens of thousands of dollars.
Before you file, ask yourself:
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Are you claiming too early?
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Have you compared your personal benefit at age 70 vs. your spouse’s?
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Could taxes or Medicare premiums cut into your payment?
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Would survivor benefits make more sense down the line?
Social Security decisions are permanent. And the government isn’t going to walk you through the nuances. You have to be your own advocate or risk making an irreversible mistake.
Has anyone ever encouraged you to take spousal benefits without explaining the downsides? What questions do you still have about claiming the right benefit?
Read More:
11 Little-Known Reasons Your Social Security Is Less Than It Should Be
12 Social Security Questions You Should Ask—But Don’t
Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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